The Hurricanes took a home-field win over a depleted Highlanders side 41-15 on Saturday afternoon.
Final score
Hurricanes 41
Highlanders 15
Two of Super Rugby’s best teams go head-to-head in Wellington as reigning champions the Hurricanes clash against 2015 winners the Highlanders. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:30pm (AEDT).
Battling an injury crisis, the Highlanders showed great determination and defensive steel to beat the Blues last week.
Although the Blues didn’t help themselves, with uncharacteristic errors, the Highlanders were under the pump for the majority of the contest but still secured a win in difficult circumstances at Eden Park.
The Hurricanes suffered their first loss of the season last week, falling to the Chiefs. After two comfortable victories against meagre opposition, the Canes fell at the first hurdle against a side more or less their equals.
Indeed, the opening two matches for the Hurricanes were little more than training runs, and they best be prepared for a war against a committed Highlanders outfit.
In good news for the Highlanders, All Blacks fullback Ben Smith returns from a spell on the sidelines due to concussion. He, along with Aaron Smith, will need to play well if the Highlanders are to trouble the Hurricanes on the scoreboard.
That could be easier said than done though, given that the Highlanders are missing established players such as Liam Squire, Shane Christie, Ash Dixon, Dan Pryor and James Lentjes and Jason Emery.
The Hurricanes meanwhile are only missing Nehe-Milner Skudder, so expect Jordie Barrett to step in at fullback. Barrett has already pulled on the No.15 jumper once for the Wellington-based side, in their crushing round-one win over the Sunwolves in Tokyo.
The 20-year-old utility has since come off the bench twice, in the Canes’ demolition of the Rebels and loss to the Chiefs.
Prediction
The Hurricanes are favourites but the Highlanders showed tremendous character to secure victory against the Blues last week and will turn up ready to compete against a side that has had a soft opening fortnight in the competition – one that could once again come back to bite them, as it did last week against the Chiefs.
Highlanders by 5
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:30pm (AEDT).
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes absolutely, which explains the weaker finish. You cant start with a weak side and finish with a weaker one due to a stretched bench. Canes were always going to outrun them at home with just the one injury.
Tipene Roar
Roar Rookie
There were reasons why it was not red
Digby
Roar Guru
Commiserations Highlander and Muzzo, tough with so many outs, hopefully will start to see the tanks replenished in the next few weeks!
Digby
Roar Guru
Chur RT. 4 days mate...
Digby
Roar Guru
Thanks OB, it was the sort of performance I wanted to see after being touched up a bit last week.
Old Bugger
Guest
That's good to know - reassurance that he won't lose himself, aye RT......heehee!!
Old Bugger
Guest
Oh Digsy - great win to your lads. My congrats and hope, Colesy is OK......gees, he better be.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Congratulation Digger and Canes fans, you guys are the real McCoy..
Machpants
Roar Guru
That's more like it! The younger bros were awesome, ardie and jordy
Ross Fyfe
Guest
When a player takes out another with a head high tackle but is back one the field prior to the tackle receiptent then the rule is wrong. Peranra should have been red carded for a lazy head high but the ruling has had a profound impact on the game.
Alan
Roar Guru
The Highlanders competed very well in the first half and even hit the lead at one stage. The second half also promised a strong competitive contest with the scores at 17-15 at one stage. The Hurricanes though were relentless and never took their foot off the pedal. Their class as a result proved too much for the Highlanders to handle. Aso and Laumape in particular devastating with the footy in hand. Hurricanes just too clinical. Highlanders, despite competing well, lacked the class to make a game of this in the second half. At full strength, the Highlanders should prove more formidable opposition Hurricanes 41 Highlanders 15
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Thanks for the blog Alan ...
Alan
Roar Guru
Aso scores his second try right on fulltime as he regathers a great grubber kick and the Hurricanes finish off with a bang! Too good. KO! FULLTIME Hurricanes 41 Highlanders 15
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Commiserations Highlander... too many injuries to compete against the Canes coming of a defeat last week ... we all knew that the Hurricanes were gonna be tough after their disappointment last week ... but early days for the comp as yet...
Alan
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Hurricanes 41 Highlanders 15
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Too bloody good! ... Diggercane will be beside himself at the park at the moment ... *S*
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY HURRICANES Hurricanes 39 Highlanders 15
Alan
Roar Guru
YELLOW CARD HIGHLANDERS Hurricanes 34 Highlanders 15
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Well Hurricanes playing some razzle dazzle rugby here, even it results in the bombing of a try...three on one and they still butchered it. Hurricanes 34 Highlanders 15
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Smith on the attack as the Highlanders look to score a consolation try! Not to be though. Ben Smith has tried hard all night but now Savea skips away! Hurricanes on the attack. Hurricanes 34 Highlanders 15