Sunwolves
0
Match Complete
Highlanders
52
| 63 |  | S. Tomkinson | ||
| 60 |  | B. Gatland | ||
| 59 | | R. Thompson | ||
| 52 | | J. Ioane | ||
| 51 | | T. Li | ||
| 32 | | J. Ioane | ||
| 31 | | L. Coltman | ||
| 20 | | J. Ioane | ||
| 19 | | J. Ioane | ||
| 13 | | T. Li | ||
| 12 | | J. Ioane | ||
| 11 | | T. Lomax | ||
| 5 | | J. Ioane | ||
| 4 | | T. Franklin |
| 0 | Tries | 8 | ||
| 0 | Conversions | 6 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The Sunwolves are anchored to the bottom of the Super Rugby table, and while mathematical hopes of finals still exits, realistic ones are dusted as they look to be competitive against a desperate Highlanders outfit. Join The Roar for live scores of the match from 8pm (AEDT).
As mentioned, the Japanese outfit have been right up against it throughout the 2019 Super Rugby season, and given they will cease to exist at the end of the 2020 season, have very little to play for.
However, the two wins they have scored this year should fill them with some sort of hope that they might be able to pick up a rare win here and send the Highlanders spiralling backwards in the race to play finals rugby in a couple of months time.
The Sunwolves will need their defence to be on a much stronger level than it has been all year if they hope to pick up the win here though.
It’s a problem which has plagued the club right throughout their history, and if they can’t improve discipline, lineout wins and defence on the goal line here, the Highlanders might march all over them.
The biggest problem for the home side might be the desperation of the ‘Landers, who are on 18 points and sitting fourth in the New Zealand conference, with their finals hopes by way of a wildcard spot relying on a strong second half of the season at this point.
They come into the game having worryingly lost three of their last four, and while it was a win last weekend over the Blues, their control over games has been lacking in the last month, and will be something they need to address if there are genuine hopes of making the top eight.
Prediction
The Highlanders are the better team on paper and while they have struggled at times this season and are on the road, it’d be something of a surprise to see them not get the better of the Japanese outfit.
Highlanders by 10.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores of the match from 8pm (AEDT) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below, as all the action unfolds in Japan on Friday evening.
Jimmy
Roar Rookie
Great to see the Highlanders back in some form! While they didn't all work out, Aaron Smith tried a few new kicking options, which looked like they - with some more practice - could be deadly. Ioane laid his claim to the 3rd first five position too! Great game from him. All good all round!
Adsa
Roar Rookie
I hope the Sunwolves maintain the losing momentum for the Reds next week. (Did I jinx my team?)
Highlander
Guest
Going to sound odd given the score but Aaron’s Smith’s first 40 was as a good a display of ruck defence from a halfback that I’ve seen in a long time. Real culture evident to keep the Wolfies to zero when so far in front. Played happy rugby, out Tony Browned Tony Brown.
TimO
Roar Rookie
What a thrashing
Peter
Guest
Istanbul Wingman, I’ve been enjoying your articles - a fresh look at the rugby world - but your comment here really does strike me as an unnecessary cheap shot. Sorry.
TimO
Roar Rookie
Coleman and Lomax could make the WC squad
67
63
60
59
52
51
Istanbul Wingman
Roar Guru
Sayonara Sunpoodles . . .
Highlander
Guest
I know these guys are not going to get an AB starting 23 unless there is an outbreak of malaria but Coltman, Franklin, Lomax, Dixon and Thompson show just how much depth there is at the moment in key positions.
Machpants
Roar Guru
Brett and Harry, oh dear
32
31
Danny
Roar Pro
Highlanders with the formula to beat SWs - put close to A team on early and smash them. If SWs play to form in second half this could be a cricket score.
20
19