Highlanders
20
Match Complete
Crusaders
40
| 81 |  | R. Mo'unga | ||
| 79 |  | W. Jordan | ||
| 77 | | R. Mo'unga | ||
| 76 | | T. Christie | ||
| 59 | | S. Reece | ||
| M. Hunt |  | 56 | ||
| 50 | | R. Mo'unga | ||
| 49 | | T. Christie | ||
| M. Hunt | | 40 | ||
| 34 | | R. Mo'unga | ||
| 30 | | R. Mo'unga | ||
| M. Hunt | | 25 | ||
| N. Punivai | | 24 | ||
| M. Hunt | | 19 | ||
| S. Frizell | | 19 | ||
| 14 | | W. Jordan | ||
| 9 | | R. Mo'unga |
| 2 | Tries | 5 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 2 | Penalty Goals | 3 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The Highlanders have the unenviable task of hosting the Crusaders to begin Round 4 of Super Rugby Aotearoa. Join The Roar for live scores from 5:05pm (AEST).
The Crusaders have been busy doing Crusader things of late. They weren’t at their best in either of their matches to date, but Scott Robertson’s men have found a way to win both of them.
The Highlanders look a far better side than the one which started the year, and they threatened to upset the Blues last week only for the Auckland side to emerge with the points. Still, the Dunedin side used their break to discover some much-needed improvements, and are no longer the easybeats many predicted heading into the Aotearoa competition, and they actually won their last home game against the Crusaders – although it was some two years ago.
Robertson has made five changes for this one, including resting winger George Bridge and halfback Bryn Hall. Leicester Faingaanuku and Mitch Drummond are their respective replacements, while David Havili has been slotted in at fullback and Sevu Reece moved to the bench.
Aaron Mauger has gone with a more settled lineup, although there’s a re-jigged front row with an emphasis on mobility for the hosts today; Daniel Lienert-Brown, Liam Coltman and Jeff Twaites start up front.
Game information
Kick-off: 5:05pm (AEST)
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato
TV: Fox Sports
Live stream: Kayo Sports
Teams
Highlanders
1. Daniel Lienert-Brown 2. Liam Coltman 3. Jeff Thwaites 4. Paripari Parkinson 5. Josh Dickson 6. Shannon Frizell 7. Dillon Hunt 8. Marino Mikaele Tu’u 9. Aaron Smith (c) 10. Mitch Hunt 11. Jona Nareki 12. Patelesio Tomkinson 13. Rob Thompson 4. Ngatungane Punivai 15. Michael Collins
Bench: 16. Ash Dixon (c) 17. Ayden Johnstone 18. Siate Tokolahi 19. Jack Whetton 20. Teariki Ben-Nicholas 21. Kayne Hammington 22. Bryn Gatland 23. Vilimoni Koroi
Crusaders
1. Joe Moody 2. Codie Taylor (c) 3. Michael Alaalatoa 4. Samuel Whitelock 5. Mitchell Dunshea 6. Ethan Blackadder 7. Tom Christie 8. Whetukamokamo Douglas 9. Mitchell Drummond 10. Richie Mo’unga 11. Leicester Faingaanuku 12. Jack Goodhue 13. Braydon Ennor 14. Will Jordan 15. David Havili
Bench: 16. Andrew Makalio 17. George Bower 18. Oliver Jager 19. Quinten Strange 20. Sione Havili 21. Ereatara Enari 22. Fetuli Paea 23. Sevu Reece
Harry Selassie
Roar Rookie
This was an intense game and the Highlanders, led by a superb effort from Aaron Smith and Shannon Frizell were in the game after an hour but the Crusaders are too deep and too talented and wore them down in the final 20 minutes to win by a much larger margin than reflected by the play. Next week's Blues vs Crusaders match is going to be THE match of this hybrid season.
Double Agent
Guest
TonyH I recall earlier in the year that the 3rdXV Queensland team only had to change their goal kicking % from 12.5 to 33 to beat the Crusaders!!
Double Agent
Guest
Agree. The score is very misleading.
Double Agent
Guest
Both 9s, Smith and Drummond, were outstanding in this match. All Aussie 9s are a long way behind these guys.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
What more can he do to get a nod when/if the ABs play this year? I’ve told my wife he is a future AB so I have a bit riding on his call up.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Have a real problem when a professional foul is committed and is let off because the team fouled against scores any way. Highlanders commit a professional foul holding Ennor back, but because the Crusaders score, the Highlanders keep 15 on the park. I’ve said it before, we can’t rule on outcome, we need to rule on action. If the Crusaders don’t score, then it’s a YC. Same with foul play, swing a punch and miss, it’s all good, but if you connect, you’re warming pine. Always been a big bug bear of mine.
freddieeffer
Roar Rookie
That Nariki bombed try was a game turner as well as a self-inflicted ball-breaker. Crusaders made them pay for that.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Commiserations Highlander, score was not representative of the game. But to be fair, Crusaders just too good at the moment
freddieeffer
Roar Rookie
The quality of play by the Crusaders, the variety in their structures and flawless execution between the 70-80 minute mark is just aspirational for every other team and club. Amazing footie.
Panana split
Roar Rookie
Hard luck Highlanders, hopefully, the canes can win the battle of the spoon tomorrow.
81
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
Excellent game to watch. Crusaders are unbelievably consistently good. Modern day 15 players total rugby.
79
Drew
Roar Rookie
:unhappy: nevermind
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Will Jordan must have Foster’s attention now .. sheesh
Highlander
Guest
That is as good as defensive performance as we have put in for years, and still you can’t keep these guys out - relentless Nariki - video review is going to hurt Monday, and so it should Crusaders too much control for us tonight
Harry Jones
Expert
Too deep
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Good to see Frizzell in form this season. We need to replace Kaino
Drew
Roar Rookie
They deserve at least a loosing bonus point.
77