Crusaders
38
Match Complete
Highlanders
14
| R. Mo'unga |  | 70 | ||
| R. Mo'unga |  | 68 | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 56 | ||
| M. Alaalatoa | | 54 | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 48 | ||
| W. Douglas | | 47 | ||
| 36 | | J. Ioane | ||
| 35 | | T. Walden | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 28 | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 27 | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 22 | ||
| D. Havili | | 21 | ||
| 17 | | J. Ioane | ||
| 16 | | S. Tomkinson | ||
| R. Mo'unga |  | 2 |
| 5 | Tries | 2 | ||
| 5 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The Highlanders’ thumping win last week rocketed them into a finals spot, so now they play the Crusaders. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 5:35pm AEST.
The men from Otago were heavy outsiders to make the playoffs, but did so with a bonus point victory on Friday. But a refreshed Canterbury side will be a very different beast to an understrength Waratahs team.
We always knew the Crusaders would be here come playoffs time, and they are. Before their bye last weekend, they obliterated the Rebels, 66-0.
The scheduled meeting between the two teams this year was cancelled in the wake of the Christchurch massacre. But prior to that, Scott Robertson’s men won four of the five most recent games against the southerners.
In team news, Codie Taylor and Owen Franks have passed their fitness test and will join Joe Moody in an All Black front row.
Tim Perry shapes as an able replacement, as he’s named on the pine after a broken arm kept him out of the game.
The Highlanders also have a boost with Ben Smith coming back from a hamstring injury which forced him to miss six weeks. He takes over from Josh McKay at fullback.
Daniel Lienert-Brown, brother of Anton, starts at loosehead for the visitors, and Patelosio Tomkinson replaces Tevita Li on the left wing.
Prediction
It’s hard to tip against the ladder leaders, but the return of Ben Smith is a big deal. If the visitors play like last week, they should get it done.
Highlanders by 6.
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Time: 5:35pm AEST
Referee: Jacob Peyper
Odds: Crusaders $1.14, Highlanders $5.75
Crusaders
David Havili, Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Bryn Hall, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Sam Whitelock (c), Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody
Reserves
Andrew Makalio, Tim Perry, Michael Alaalatoa, Luke Romano, Jordan Taufua, Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt, Braydon Ennor
Highlanders
Ben Smith (co-c), Waisake Naholo, Rob Thompson, Teihorangi Walden, Patelesio Tomkinson, Josh Ioane, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock (co-c), James Lentjes, Liam Squire, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown
Reserves
Ash Dixon, Ayden Johnstone, Siate Tokolahi, Josh Dickson, Shannon Frizell, Elliot Dixon, Kayne Hammington, Marty Banks
Harry Selassie
Roar Rookie
The first half and especially early second half before the yellow for Squires involved some brutal hitting. Highlanders gave it a good go but ultimately wore down, even if Squires had not visited the sin bin [deserved yellow in my view btw] It is a team game but the Crusaders forwards and Mo’unga really stood out. What a match for Richie with the ball and anybody else notice how his kicking has improved throughout the season? The Highlanders’ Coltman was almost Pocock like in being able to force penalties. Very impressive work from him. If there is room, as there should be, for a 3rd hooker on the AB’s flight to Japan, then he should join Taylor and Coles. Squires is a heck of a player and perhaps what the AB need when playing physical NH teams in Japan but he also does need to watch his discipline.
Scotty P
Roar Rookie
His throwing and scrummaging was rubbish though in this game. But Harris' throwing is just as bad so Coltman should get that spot. Next year I feel Aumua will really step up.
Kick n Clap
Guest
Hey the Red’s, Really would they get past the current Bradford’ Pack at the Moment? Don’t think so? Three Burgess Boys & then Whitehead & Bateman?? Don’t think there is a better Pack in World Rugby?
rebel
Roar Guru
No way, not while the Thames Valley is still involved.
Highlander
Guest
Spot on Dennis, Mainland Utd now
Old Bugger
Guest
OK Im a chiefs supporter but c'mon, why the eff, do we need to listen to an ex-sader like marshy, comment on a sanders match.....??? Whoever thinks he is transparent, needs to visit their brain surgeon. Bugger off Marshy......go find a job as a drain digger.
Germán
Roar Rookie
And above all, if you have to kick possession away... get the goram ball out rather than straight into Havili/Reece/Bridge's hands.
Lux Interior
Roar Rookie
Turned out kinda like I expected, the Highlanders organisation under pressure found wanting. The Crusaders look ominous with that starting front five. Time to polish up the RednBlack eye patch and get behind the other South Island team.
charly_777
Guest
Hi, boys! I think the best way to try to beat the Crusaders is to make them nervous, by not being able to make their game! even if it's an ugly game! Slow balls, infinite rucks all front games! Greetings from Argentina and let's go Jaguars: for the new story!
WithTheDawn
Roar Rookie
Well played by the Crusaders, and a typical result in many ways. Highlanders really came to play early, and the yellow card was a huge turning point. You expect the Crusaders to rise in those moments and they sure did. Will hopefully be a cracker next week against the Canes if they can win.
Sinclair Whitbourne
Roar Rookie
Ben from accounts deservedly gets the attention for his last game but I feel some sadness to see Tom Franklin going; a fine lock who might well have been in the frame for international selection in many other countries. Hemopo looked to me to be a lock/6 with huge potential and I would have enjoyed watching his development. Canterbury looked very impressive indeed. I enjoyed watching Havili doing his job in an effective, unobtrusive fashion and the 10 looked quite useful, too. Handy forwards gave the backs a good platform but you still have to use it.
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
What a time to get your AB front row back. Extra day of recovery after the Highlanders came out possessed. Huge semi final looming with travel not a factor.
TheReds
Roar Rookie
Crusaders would always win this game. The best forward team in the world. You can have all the best talent at the back but when your forwards are pushed back and your scrum and lineout is not at the level of this Saders team you lose. This game is what would happen with the Smiths and Naholo if they didn't had the Crusaders forward pack at the All Black.
Tom English
Roar Guru
So the Crusaders are into the semi finals, and my tipping is off to a bad start. Tomorrow morning, the Jaguares and Chiefs. Thanks for joining me tonight.
Highlander
Guest
Crusaders are just so clinical, can't be down to 14 against these guys. So many Highlanders departing now, Thanks to Bender - forever a local legend. Waisake, Hemopo, Franklin, Elliot Dixon, Lomax , Marty Banks- thanks boys, has been a great 4-5 years. If Liam Coltman doesn't get the 3rd AB hooker slot after that then I give up, he was awesome.
Hedley Lamarr
Guest
Crusaders, like a swiss watch - Perfection personified
Danny
Roar Pro
Crusaders built pressure and steadily improved accuracy over the game, yellow notwithstanding.
Tom English
Roar Guru
Josh Ioane makes a break...shut down. Thompson. Hemopo. Siren, but it's been frantic all game. They'll kick into touch. FULLTIME: Crusaders 38 Highlanders 14
Tom English
Roar Guru
Scrum won again, lost ball by Taufua. Highlanders move it via Thompson. Highlanders looking dishevelled. That being said, they're up to the 10. Now almost halfway. Floated across to Tomkinson, good hit on him!! Flat ball. Inside the last 60 seconds. 80' Crusaders 38 Highlanders 14
Tom English
Roar Guru
Tapped back, and the Highlanders are near the 10. Lost ball, Crusaders lost it seconds later. Knock on both ways. 77' Crusaders 38 Highlanders 14