The Cheetahs are out to end their two-month long losing streak when they play host to a Highlanders side looking to keep up with a competitive New Zealand Conference. Catch all the live scores on The Roar from 3am (AEST).
The Cheetahs have lost six on the trot now after letting in nearly half a century against the Crusaders at home last week.
With just two wins from nine games, they find themselves limping at the wrong end of the standings of the Africa 1 group, 16 points behind the Stormers in the coveted finals qualification spot.
In stark contrast, the Highlanders have won five straight now as they close in on the top three in the New Zealand Conference, one of the tightest of all time.
After a steady start to the campaign, they’ve bounced right back over the last month and a half, closing in within just four points of the Hurricanes.
The Landers cruised past the Cheetahs fellow South Africans last week, piling on 57 points to 14 at home.
The Cheetahs may have the home ground advantage, but history is certainly not on their side.
The Highlanders have lost just one game to the Cheetahs in Super Rugby, ever.
Team News
For the Cheetahs, Tian Meyer will play at scrum half for his 50th cap, replacing Shaun Venter who keeps a place on the bench.
Fred Zeilinga returns to the flyhalf role, pushing Neil Marias to the bench, while William Small-Smith comes in at inside centre to replace Nico Lee who is injured.
Paul Schoeman will start at flanker as Henco Venter comes into the No.8 jersey.
Elsewhere in the forwards, Carl Wegner and Francois Uys will combine to make a new lock combination.
For the Highlanders, coach Tony Brown has brought Matt Faddes in to replace an injured Ben Smith at fullback, while Luke Whitelock takes the captaincy after a shift to No.8.
Joe Wheeler is the other change, slotting into the second row.
Prediction
The Cheetahs have had a less than idea season in 2017 and face a massive test against the Highlanders who are on a serious role amidst a tight New Zealand conference.
A six-game losing streak is looking very likely to become seven for the South African side whose future is still up in the air for the 2018 season.
Highlanders to win by 25
Catch all the live scores on The Roar from 3am (AEST).
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Apologies my man, I was dragged away unceremoniously ;)
DavSA
Guest
Superrugby is dead ? The King is dead? Long live the King. ....... No shortage of excitement . The Cheetahs will indeed be gutted but this young team will take plenty out of this game...Defense has been an Achilles heel the whole season .... Needs work
Highlander
Guest
For anyone interested the in pass numbers for the Highlanders storming finish. Try 1. From the scrum - 3 passes to score Try 2 from the kick off - 4 passes to score Try 3 from the kick off - 25 passes to score The Cheetahs only touch right through this was a knock on when the 10? bottled a clean up from a Banks chip. 28 passes at pace, no errors, awesome boys awesome.
Machooka
Roar Guru
It's on!!!!
ClarkeG
Guest
Some pretty silly stuff. Cassiem attracting the attention of the referee's YC at 72m. Zeilinga appearing to intentionally knock Bank's chip kick forward in the last play when although a tricky bounce it seemed catchable. Seiuli also had a brain fade in the last play when he did not pass to either of Banks or Hammington unmarked right on the goal line. An astonishing last 5mins to a rugby match as you will ever see however
WEST
Roar Guru
Should be an interesting game Blues v tahs, hope the Blues crank it up a few notches. If the Blues contain the Waratahs forward pack and are able to get quick ball they could be hard to stop. Pulu needs to pull his finger out and give Francis the ball asap. SBW is another player who needs to step it up or his black jersey should be going to the Canes midfield.
Highlander
Guest
Thanks OB, ball in hand the Cheetahs were very good, zero game management at the end though and it cost them. How do you win a game with a 65% tackle ratio - play a team with a 62% one!!
ClarkeG
Guest
Very underrated.
ClarkeG
Guest
Yes Rhino quite conveniently didn't mention that 1/4 Final result.
Old Bugger
Guest
Congrats HL. I haven't seen the match and just reading reports wherever I find them but a couple of things.... Firstly, bugger those thumb injuries.....!! Secondly, it sounds like memories akin to the Chiefs get-out-of-jail card, when they met this Cheetahs side. After last weeks Cheetahs effort, who would've guessed this game and result, was likely?? Too close for comfort but, a win is a win.....
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
That is not possible Tman. A fifth placed team in AUS/NZ can never qualify
taylorman
Guest
Imagine coming last in your conference and winning the entire tournament? Would make a mockery of the conference system.
Taniwha
Roar Rookie
Charging Rhino, The Sharks have been horrible this year and painful to watch. The NZ sides would be more disappointed than you they don't meet this year. Which of the Sharks performances have inspired you this year? The narrow and some fortunate victories over the Brumbies, Kings, Cheetahs and Jaguare?. Was it the loss to the Reds or the draw with the Rebels? Last year they scrapped into the finals and then got smacked by the canes 41-0. This year they have a dream draw and if they can't finish top of their conference they don't deserve a home final. It's my opinion the only team outside of NZ capable of winning the comp this year are the Lions, the rest are just making up the numbers.
timber
Guest
The same Sharks team who drew with the Rebels at home?
taylorman
Guest
Bit if a sweeping statement there. Sharks drew 9-9 with the Rebels and lost two the Reds! Both sides that have been beaten and in most cases hammered by all NZ sides. If that is the comparison with those sides we have in common then your statement is grossly inflated. They had their chances last year and I'd say NZ sides are stronger this year. Four wins over NZ sides when only one side has managed one....please...
taylorman
Guest
Yep go the Blueeees! Squash the Tahs tonight and enjoy the night in Sydney! Aaah, if only...
Highlander
Guest
Bgga. It's broken, on his way home, 6 weeks
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Morning Chook.... woke up to the result. I'm pleased I didn't watch live ... I would have been cheering for the Cheetahs! your guys still have a red hot chance to top your conference. We Blues fans need upsets to finish '2nd to last' in our conference and would be delighted to.... *laughing*....
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Thanks ... a bit of a worry these injuries but 'it is, what it is' and I suppose we should be thankful that they are happening now and not mid June.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Geez Brett McKay must've been going spare thinking he'd tipped an upset!