Crusaders
52
Match Complete
Highlanders
13
| 78 |  | J. Timu | ||
| 72 | | J. Timu | ||
| R. Mo'unga |  | 67 | ||
| L. Fainga'anuku | | 67 | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 56 | ||
| C. Taylor | | 55 | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 48 | ||
| D. Havili | | 47 | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 42 | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 41 | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 40 | ||
| J. Moody | | 39 | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 32 | ||
| F. Burke | | 31 | ||
| R. Mo'unga |  | 26 | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 13 | ||
| S. Reece | | 12 | ||
| 8 | | S. Gilbert |
| 7 | Tries | 2 | ||
| 7 | Conversions | 0 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Super Round begins with the Crusaders doing battle with the Highlanders at Melbourne’s AAMI Park. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 6pm (AEDT).
The Crusaders have won nine of their past 10 Super Rugby matches against the Highlanders, including the last two.
The reigning champions are looking to avoid opening a season with back-to-back losses for the first time since 2014, after their upset opening-round loss to the Chiefs.
The Highlanders are smarting from a thumping 60-20 loss at the hands of the Blues, and will be out to make a statement of intent on the road.
Game Information
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 6pm (AEDT)
Live stream: Stan Sport
Betting: Crusaders $1.09, Highlanders $7.50 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Crusaders (1-15): Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, David Havili, Jack Goodhue, Sevu Reece, Fergus Burke.
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Seb Calder, , Zach Gallagher, Sione Havili Talitui, Noah Hotham, Braydon Enner, Macca Springer.
Highlanders (1-15): Ayden Johnstone, Andrew Makalio, Jermaine Ainsley, Paripari Parkinson, Will Tucker, Billy Harmon, Sean Withy, Nikora Broughton, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Freddie Burns, Connor Garden-Bachop, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Josh Timu, Jonah Lowe, Sam Gilbert.
Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Max Hicks, James Lentjes, Folau Fakatava, Mitch Hunt, Mosese Dawai.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
OK. The score tells the story, which is of a dominant Crusaders performance. Other game stats belied the story just a little bit, because the Highlanders scrum had the edge for a while, and the Crusaders had a greater number of errors and for a long time penalties conceded. But the cohesion and smarts of the Crusaders told. They countered the Highlanders rush defence and every excursion down the field resulted in points. Excellent viewing, watching the Crusaders pack in the tight loose, with excellent support, gnarly yardage, and pace. Best view in the house was Richie Moanga's. He thrived. It's a team game and Crusaders cohesion could only be envied by the Highlanders.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
We always believe, Ray. It's part of the glue which makes the tribe. So yes. Next Time!
RayinSydney
Roar Rookie
Ah well, next time right!?
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
Based purely on sentiment, I had picked the Highlanders. Alas.
Faith
Roar Rookie
Who is their attack coach. I thought Bender was involved.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
It takes two penalties against the Crusaders for the Highlanders to quick-tap from a scrum in front of their own posts, to a position inside the Crusaders 22. Then another grubber kick – there’s a theme here – and Timu scores under the posts! Again! 1 minute to go.
Olly
Roar Rookie
Long season ahead for the Highlanders
78
Cadfael
Roar Guru
The comback is on!
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
Timu scores for the Highlanders! Using a grubber kick. The Crusaders rush defence has been very fast and forward, and that time no-one of the back 3 was in cover. Nicely exploited.
Otago Man
Roar Rookie
A positive is Fakatava, better control. Wish he did that against the Blues.
72
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
We interrupt this commentary with a news flash. The Highlanders are on attack, from inside their half they have a lineout in the Crusaders 22. After a messy lineout the Crusaders go for the steal and earn a penalty. In reply, Highlanders [news flash#2!] put phases together!
67
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
Parkinson returns from the yellow card, eventually. That might be an 11 minute card. In that minute, Highlanders flanker gives away a penalty which results in a kick for the corner and a maul and woop de do the Crusaders score again.
67
smoothy
Roar Rookie
It may only be the second week, but the Highlanders now know that ‘points differential’ is not going to be their ally!
RayinSydney
Roar Rookie
Depends on who you are supporting,
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
Bit of a shock to the system
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
For 35 seconds the Highlanders explore the unknown terrain beyond the halfway mark. Admittedly they were there due to kicking off after the Crusaders try. After some nice running angles and fatties-in-the-backline continuity the Crusaders are back on attack inside the Highlanders 22.