Highlanders
38
Match Complete
Hurricanes
21
| 72 |  | J. Barrett | ||
| 72 |  | P. Umaga-Jensen | ||
| M. Hunt | | 61 | ||
| M. Hunt | | 60 | ||
| A. Johnstone | | 56 | ||
| J. Ioane | | 46 | ||
| J. Ioane |  | 43 | ||
| J. Ioane | | 33 | ||
| A. Dixon | | 32 | ||
| 28 | | J. Barrett | ||
| 28 | | J. Booth | ||
| J. Ioane | | 10 | ||
| N. Punivai | | 9 | ||
| 5 | | J. Barrett | ||
| 4 | | V. Aso |
| 4 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 4 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The last match of Super Rugby Aotearoa is upon us as the Highlanders battle the Hurricanes at an empty Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. Join The Roar for live scores from 1:05pm (AEST).
This final-round clash is a duel that will have no effect on the title, with both teams playing for pride.
The Highlanders are coming off a loss to Super Rugby Aotearoa champions the Crusaders, in the game that clinched the title for the men from Christchurch, but today’s hosts won’t feel ashamed by that performance. They led until George Bridge’s 65th-minute try, but just couldn’t overcome the late deficit, a yellow card not helping matters for them.
Aaron Mauger’s side will finish the season in fourth place, but today provides an opportunity to clinch one final upset and finish the season the same way they started it: with a win at home.
The Hurricanes have been in substantially better form than their opponents, winning five straight games and sitting in third place. Their last game was an entertaining duel against the Chiefs, while they also won against the Highlanders in a low-scoring scrap in Round 5. John Plumtree’s side are firm favourites to win this one.
Game information
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 1:05pm (AEST)
TV: Fox Sports
Live stream: Kayo Sports, Foxtel
Odds: Highlanders $2.25, Hurricanes $1.68
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Assistant: Mike Fraser, James Doleman
TMO: Chris Hart
Teams
Highlanders (1-15)
Ayden Johnstone, Ash Dixon (c), Siate Tokolahi, Pari Pari Parkinson, Jack Whetton, Shannon Frizell, Dillon Hunt, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Aaron Smith (c), Josh Ioane, Jona Nareki, Patelesio Tomkinson, Michael Collins, Josh McKay, Mitch Hunt
Reserves: Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jeff Thwaites, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Folau Fakatava, Ngatungane Punivai, Tom Florence
Hurricanes (1-15)
Ben May, Dane Coles [c], Tyrel Lomax, James Blackwell, Scott Scrafton, Reed Prinsep, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Ardie Savea, Jamie Booth, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Wes Goosen, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Billy Proctor, Vince Aso, Jordie Barrett
Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Tevita Mafileo, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Liam Mitchell, Devan Flanders, Jonathan Taumateine, Salesi Rayasi, Chase Tiatia
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Wow good win and totally stuffed my tipping hahahaha
CUW
Roar Rookie
if Vince Aso had All Black aspirations - that running down the line and foot in toouch twice when there was space inside will hamper for sure. one can understand being forced into - but just careless doesnt look great TV.
Lara
Guest
Some of the short passes between the Highlanders forwards n then linking with the backs.....bloody beautiful. The Canes are pretty creative, but the Highlanders took it to another level.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Had a feeling this one would go this way. Highlanders were excellent last week and it took all the brilliance the Crusaders could muster to get over them.
Highlander
Guest
Thanks mate Quality of this entire comp has been outstanding eh
Digby
Roar Guru
Just torn apart in the second half. Congrats Highlander/Muzzo, great way to finish the season :thumbup:
72
73
Highlander
Guest
So much better this half
Diesel 2.0
Roar Rookie
Landers are playing such a complete game. Structured transitioning to unstructured then back again on the back of a massive possession percentage. Smith and Hunt are on fire
61
60
56
Panana split
Roar Rookie
Blackwell, Scrapton and Princep are absolute mud
Ball lee
Guest
Why do they give Aaron Smith the nickname 'cubes'?
46
43
WithTheDawn
Roar Rookie
Going to miss this. Great game of running rugby.
Highlander
Guest
It’s all a little too festival for my liking today Canes look super dangerous off turnover ball, but they have bombed a few pushing passes Both sides narrow channel D not great Usual candidates looking good for the home side.
Diesel 2.0
Roar Rookie
Landers lucky to still be in this game. A few tries gone begging there