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The Chiefs have beaten the Highlanders 27 to 22 in a tense, close match up this evening in Hamilton.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Chiefs 27
Highlanders 22
The in-form Chiefs take on the Highlanders in this exciting Kiwi clash to kick off Round 7 of the Super Rugby competition. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 5:35pm AEDT.
In the past two games the Chiefs have scored over 100 points and have looked in great form. While 61 of these points did come against the Sunwolves last week who might be seen as a soft target, the potency of the Chiefs attack should not be underestimated.
McKenzie is looking good at 10 and while he still needs to prove himself against the very best to be considered a genuinely good fly half, he is gaining in confidence and will start this week’s game in good form having scored 26 points last week.
It will be a great chance to see two of the pretenders to Beauden Barrett’s crown going head to head as McKenzie comes up against Sopoaga.
While McKenzie definitely has the form on his side, Sopoaga has the benefit of playing with Aaron Smith who does so much to give his half back partner space and time.
The Highlanders are coming off their first loss of the season having gone down to the Hurricanes last week. But they weren’t torn to pieces against their rivals and played well for much of the game.
Both sides have made changes from their previous match but you have to say that the Chiefs are getting the better end of these changes with Liam Messam returning to their back row, Weber back at NO.9 and Sean Wainui back on the wing where he’s been impressive.
The Highlanders meanwhile have had to make a couple of switches down to injury of front line players.
Prediction
This really does look like a mouth watering game. Each side has strengths over their opposition – the Chiefs back row is impressive and overall they probably take the forward battle.
But the half backs for the Highlanders are world class and if they can control the game then that will give the visitors a real chance.
Overall though the Chiefs have the edge and with the momentum and home advantage should just edge this one.
Chiefs to win by 7 points.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 5:35pm AEDT.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.