The Highlanders host the Hurricanes as both sides look to solidify their finals spots before the international break. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 5:35pm (AEST).
The home side will view this as a tough but genuine opportunity to move up the ladder. They are just one point behind the Chiefs, who then go up against the Crusaders on Saturday – a game they are not favourites to win.
The Highlanders have a great record at home this season, winning every match, including a good victory over the Crusaders. They will field a top side as well, including ten current or former All Blacks. Perhaps most important will be the return of the two Smiths – Aaron at #9 and Ben at #15.
For the Hurricanes, the loss last week against the Crusaders will have frustrated them greatly and while they still have a game in hand over their Christchurch rivals, they have slipped back to five points behind, with time running out.
Further motivation will come from the fact that their inspirational leader, Brad Shields, will play his 100th game for the club and join a prestigious group of players.
The Canes are flush with talent, especially in the backs, and with the dry conditions that Dunedin promises, they will be eager to get the ball in hand and play.
Prediction
Given the Canes’ form this season, it’s easy to see why they are favourites, but there’s something about the Highlanders, at home, with a full team that is tough to resist.
Highlanders to win by 5.
Highlander
Guest
Good start Harry
Highlander
Guest
Appropriate that Hightemplar is a Crusader.....no?
ebop
Guest
Is anyone questioning Boyd? The guy is leaving. He has the pip with Hansen and no doubt NZR. The captain Shields is a pom and probably checked out as he’s more interested in his future and self preservation. The Hurricanes are stale and lacking leadership at the ‘coach’ and ‘captain’ level.
Harry Jones
Expert
Harry's Amazing Tipping Comeback Weekend Begins. One down, many to go.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
My apologies HighTemplar. Indeed the June break will reset a lot on the form guide. But a very fair call that the Chiefs could be coming stronger after the June Tests. With a possible Squire citing and SBW unfortunate injury, the French series just get more even - on paper - by the day. With the big bone-crusher rivalry match tomorrow between your boys and the Chiefs, fingers crossed no more AB's take themselves out of selection.
HighTemplar
Guest
I think the break will re-set the teams form (although there will be some tired ABs), it will probably come down to injuries against France (Chiefs will probably get better as some of their injuries will come back) I think Squire will get a week or two (similar to what Franks did against the Blues), Sarvia should be gone for a while (no excuse for a punch like that, was lucky to stay on the field IMO) Also on a final note I am HighTemplar not Highlander (my team is the glorious Crusaders)
Dennis Hopper Jr.
Guest
And to think I tipped against the Highlanders. One of those occasions I'm delighted to be wrong. If the Crusaders win tomorrow, what are the odds of a Mainland final a la '99?
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
If you look at very very left of the picture you can see Savea throwing a pretty big swing. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/104419595/highlanders-fans-see-red-as-liam-squire-goes-and-julian-savea-stays
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
No only intent, from the long-range angle it was very obvious that Savea went full swinging from the top (most likely aiming for Squire). And as said, if Savea missed from that distance, he is worst puncher ever.
Old Bugger
Guest
I am confused. I saw a tackler, approach a tackle with his arms below his own shoulders, make his tackle and then, get called not only for a swinging arm tackle but, get a YC as a result. How foolish of me to think that a swinging arm tackle, starts when the arm is extended from behind the tacklers shoulders, before making contact with the opponents head. Now, to make sure that it is a swinging arm tackle from such a low position, then the tackler must ensure that the player being tackled, not only drops his position to ensure he places the ball for his own side to regain possession in the ensuing ruck but also, that same player goes so low that he places his head, in a Position to collect, the tackler's arm. As an NZ rugby supporter, it is frustrating to see Fraser, Briant and can I add Jackson, rmake such frustrating calls but now, it is becoming obscenely mind boggling, to see BoK join these illustrious colleagues. C'mon Lyndon....as a past kiwi ref, don't you think that NZs contribution to this group, deserves improvement.....please!
Fionn
Guest
I didn't see the angles but I heard there were angles that seemed to show him with an intent to punch, is this true? If so, is an intent to punch enough to justify being cited/banned even if no connection is made? Surely you would think so given Fainga'a's ban.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Fair points Highlander. But I think you overlooking two things. Canes form barometer is going downward and has been doing so for 4-5 weeks now. And your boys' form is seriously on the up. They will back themselves against anyone, including the Saders. But we shall see, the June break can change a lot of things. You reckon Squire might have a date with citing committee on Sunday? And who were the Landers players who feed his shoulder in TJP's face at the beginning of the game? Whoever it was, he could have a date also. On that subject, Julian Savea should by himself a lottery ticket, avoiding a clear red probably due to TV-camera angels. I mean, if he misses connecting from that position, he must be worst puncher ever ;)
Ozinsa
Guest
Hurricanes struggling mate. Last week took a toll and this won’t help. Your stars are below their best and they desperately need to regroup
HighTemplar
Guest
They probably need the Hurricanes to lose against the Chiefs AND not get a BP against Brumbies, the Highlanders would also need to win out (including games against the Crusaders (tonight's real winners) and the Chiefs) In conclusion possible yes, likely no
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
Canes have one more game with two away matches so I don’t think they have the easiest run in. The travel is not a factor but the Brumbies look more useful of late and the Chiefs are always a threat at home. The Chiefs game tomorrow is going to be a tough game but knowing they can gain a nice cushion will be a lift to the side when the tank is running dry. Whitelock and Crotty are big losses but the return of Moody is a welcome one. Going into the break with two home games to come and I’d fancy the Crusaders to take out top spot at this stage. Tomorrow we’ll have a better idea.
Faith
Guest
NZ derbies unless involving the Blues can go either way. Today we saw the Clan in all its past glory over the last few seasons and it is because the forwards played their hearts out. I'd given up on them after Tahs and Shorks thrashing. Also, Canes have barely been winning (against Shorks, Reds, Moondogs) so this and last week were coming. BB has been really poor. Hope the Chiefs can muster a performance like this against the Saders to blow the NZ conference wide open. Tough schedule for all NZ teams so hard to say who will end up where... Canes with the easiest run-in with Blues and Brumbies. Saders only have derbies and have to win one to stay ahead assuming that Canes won't take all three. BP points very crucial now. The Clan vs the Chiefs after the break will be quite the decider. Chiefs (home) also play Canes. Those two games will be the deciders. Here's the schedule for all NZ teams: Chiefs (home) vs Crusaders Highlanders vs Chiefs (Fiji) Brumbies vs Canes (away) Crusaders (home) vs Highlanders Chiefs (home) vs Brumbies Hurricanes (home) vs Blues Chiefs (home) vs Hurricanes Highlanders (home) vs Rebels Crusaders (home) vs Blues I think the Chiefs will take it to the Saders tomorrow.
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
Yes, definitely good news from a Crusaders point of view. But the home game against the Highlanders won't be easy either. If we could get a win over the Chiefs going into the break, it'd be a big psychological advantage.
Pinetree
Guest
In saying that, I think the Jags have a chance to overtake the Chiefs, who have the Cru, Hig and Hur to play in their last 4 games, and the Jags sit three points behind the Chiefs. Will depend on how the Jags travel to play the Bulls and sharks, and if the Chiefs can beat any of the remaining kiwi sides. The Chiefs should secure a win vs the Brumbies though with a BP in NZ.
Oliver Matthews
Expert
Full Match Report The Highlanders have beaten the Hurricanes 30-14 in an exciting game that has kicked off some great head to head clashes in Round 16 of Super Rugby. Predictions ahead of the game were that this would be a very close one and for 51 minutes that was the truth. The teams exchanged blows both on the scoreboard and literally on the pitch (but more of that later) and with less than 30 minutes to go it was a 1 point game. But in that final half hour the Highlanders stepped up a gear and executed so many things perfectly while the Hurricanes struggled to get any rhythm and gradually slipped further and further behind. There were some great stand out performances from the home side. The well known heroes such as Aaron Smith and Ben Smith were yet again impressive for their team and their experience and talent helped keep the pressure on the Canes at key points when calm, good decision making was needed. Franklin in the second row though was arguably man of the match. He terrorised the Canes line out and in the loose he was busy and effective. Franklin wasn’t the only thing causing issues with the Canes line out though - Riccitelli did not have a good game and his throwing was well off. The Canes lost five of their own line outs and what should be a useful foundation to launch attacks from become a real liability. For the first 50 minutes or so the Canes might not have lit up the stadium with their attack but their defence was impressive. The Highlanders ran the ball a lot rather than choosing to kick and the Canes defence really knocked the Highlanders runs about time and time again. That the Highlanders found ways to unlock this defence later in the game should not be underestimated - their 4 tries were well earned. One in particular said a lot about the Highlanders mentality. At the end of the first half the Highlanders lost a player to the naughty step for a high hit in the ruck. It was a frustrating time where the refs didn’t really do a good enough job. There was clear footage that Savea had unleashed an absolute sledge hammer of a punch on one of the Highlanders at a ruck but because one of the camera angles panned away at the point of impact the ref decided not to punch Savea at all. He was very lucky and it’ll be interesting to see if there is any post game follow up. But irrespective of that decision - the Highlanders showed some incredible spirit. The half time hooter had gone and they could have kicked the ball out and headed for some halftime oranges and a chance to gather their thoughts. Instead they ran the ball from their own half and a number of phases later they scored in the corner and made their intent clear. The Hurricanes will be frustrated. That’s two performances now where their much lauded back like talent has failed to deliver. In the torrential rain against the Crusaders last week that is understandable but today in the dry conditions that is getting a bit worrying. Jordie Barrett at #13 doesn’t work or at least hasn’t worked yet. This could easily be a small bump in the road for the Wellington side and if normal service is resumed after the international break then we’ll never speak of this game again. However if they stumble into the finals off the back of a few losses in these final rounds then it could really cause them some problems and questions will need to be asked. The Canes attempt to chase down the Crusaders has really stumbled in the past two weeks and while they have a game in hand still they could find themselves 10 points behind the Christchurch side before the end of the weekend. The Highlanders however have leapt over the Chiefs into 3rd in the Kiwi conference and are 5 points off second place. It was a great game to watch and really well deserved win for the Highlanders. Hansen will start the unclenching too as many of his squad came through the game without any apparent injury. If the same can be said at the end of tomorrow’s clashes then he can breathe a bit easier.
G-Reaper
Roar Rookie
Being a Sader's fan it's a good result for me. So long as we can take the Chiefs tomorrow.