Highlanders
28
Match Complete
Chiefs
52
| S. Gilbert |  | 76 | ||
| S. Frizell |  | 75 | ||
| 68 | | D. McKenzie | ||
| 66 | | B. Weber | ||
| 60 | | D. McKenzie | ||
| 59 | | D. Rona | ||
| 53 |  | D. McKenzie | ||
| S. Gilbert | | 49 | ||
| S. Gilbert | | 48 | ||
| 42 | | D. McKenzie | ||
| 40 | | D. Rona | ||
| 39 | | D. McKenzie | ||
| 38 | | G. Dyer | ||
| S. Gilbert | | 35 | ||
| A. Smith | | 34 | ||
| 29 | | D. McKenzie | ||
| 27 | | A. Lienert-Brown | ||
| 24 | | D. McKenzie | ||
| 23 | | S. Stevenson | ||
| 20 | | D. McKenzie | ||
| 19 | | E. Narawa | ||
| S. Gilbert | | 7 | ||
| E. D. Groot | | 6 |
| 4 | Tries | 7 | ||
| 4 | Conversions | 7 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The Highlanders host the high-flying Chiefs to start round 11 of Super Rugby Pacific on Friday. Join The Roar for live score updates from 5.05pm AEST.
A week after missing touch a couple of times in the second half against the Waratahs, Freddie Burns has been named at fly-half for the Highlanders.
He will partner Aaron Smith in the halves while Thomas Umaga-Jensen returns at inside centre.
“Freddie is obviously coming back from injury, and he hasn’t actually played that much for us because of that,” Highlanders coach Clarke Dermody said.
“But these are the games we got him over for. He’s hugely experienced, he can control a game, and hopefully he can unlock our backline.
“The good players look forward to these games. I know he’s looking forward to playing with Aaron [Smith]. It’ll be the first time he’s played with him.”
Elsewhere, Billy Harmon returns at openside flanker and will captain the side.
Josh Dickson provides some forward cover from the bench.
Star All Blacks centre Anton Lienert-Brown is back for the Chiefs. Photo: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images
The Chiefs are missing Brodie Retallick, who suffered a groin injury during their important win over the Crusaders, but regain Anton Lienert-Brown in a huge boost to their backline.
“Anton sets the bar in our team in terms of work rate, passion and competitiveness, and we hope we can put in a team performance befitting of the man and occasion,” said coach Clayton McMillan.
Game information
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 5:05pm (AEST)
Streaming: Stan Sport
Odds: Highlanders $4.85 Chiefs $1.19 – odds via Playup
Teams
Highlanders (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Andrew Makalio, Jermaine Ainsley, Fabian Holland, Will Tucker, Shannon Frizell, Billy Harmon (c), Hugh Renton, Aaron Smith, Freddie Burns, Scott Gregory, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Fetuli Paea, Connor Garden-Bachop, Sam Gilbert.
Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Josh Dickson, Sean Withy, Folau Fakatava, Mitch Hunt, Jona Nareki.
Chiefs (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Tupou Vaa’i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Pita Gus Sowakula, Sam Cane (co-c), Luke Jacobson, Brad Weber (co-c), Damian McKenzie, Peniasi Malimali, Anton Lienert-Brown, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson.
Replacements: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, John Ryan, Josh Lord, Kaylum Boshier, Cortez Ratima, Bryn Gatland, Alex Nankivell.
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Chivas
Roar Rookie
Im neither colour blind or tone deaf and am a waikato and Chiefs supporter and have been all my life. I can understand that you don’t like it.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
I made the mistake of sitting near a Chiefs supported with a cowbell. There were plenty of empty seats nearby, and when she started up I suddenly understood why. Musically most cheap cowbells are sharp, and a continual sounding of sharps is hard on the ear. Thing is.... she didn't realise. Since then I've assumed many Chiefs supporters are tone deaf. Missing out on the joys of music is like being colour-blind. I hope this explains.
Chivas
Roar Rookie
C'mon you dont need to cover your pain with fake expressions of compassion. The fact you felt the need to post tells the truth :laughing:
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Thats classical orchestra to us Chiefs fans...
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Everything opens it just varies on the dynamite needed!
donmcdazzle
Roar Rookie
This used to be how the ABs played before Fozzie got the reins to be honest!
Rongowhakaata
Roar Rookie
Totally agree WEST. This years game plan in crucial. Looking forward the the RC this year. Any holes in the game plan will soon be exposed.
Emery Ambrose
Roar Rookie
Yes!! I always thought he went great as that 20 min impact player too, I guess he’s at 8 to get him on the field.
Bliksem
Roar Rookie
As an engineer I looked for a mechanism to open it, couldn’t find it. So I suspect it can’t open.
Otago Man
Roar Rookie
It is strange as this and straight feed into the scrum are the easiest things to rule on.
Atlas
Roar Rookie
No, Forsyth Barr stadium is permanently-roofed, not retractable. Mix of real and synthetic turf.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
That is what they said when it was completed, unless they have altered it since in terms of construction.
Chas
Roar Rookie
You sure Tim?
WEST
Roar Guru
Pretty much the opposite of the ABs under Foster. Hopefully Fozzy Schmidt & Ryan can get it together this year. Can’t say they don’t have the talent at their disposal. But when it comes down to equal packs, team vs team are evenly matched, it falls to the intelligence of their tactics and strategy to get the results. We have the skills, we have the players.. we just need a good plan to make it all work.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
They can open it, as it is retractable.
Phantom
Roar Rookie
Does it open though
Rongowhakaata
Roar Rookie
On reflection I am wondering what influence Fozzie and has assistants are having on the NZ franchises performances. Especially the Chiefs. Everything built off a watertight defence. The focus on attack straight through the ruck or close to it. Well planned swarming counter-rucking. Minimising penalties. Probably my imagination.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Pretty happy with that. Highlanders came with everything but we gained control pretty well. Teams are going to need a sharp kicking game against us!
Wig
Roar Rookie
That happens when its nearly all over red rover it shouldn't though. I mentioned it few weeks back about touchlines and blatant fwd passes. Was doing a brew of kiwi Worcestershire sauce in the 2nd half
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
We did! :laughing: