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Blues
23
Match Complete
Highlanders
15
| H. Plummer |  | 77 | ||
| B. Gibson |  | 76 | ||
| H. Plummer |  | 69 | ||
| 66 | | J. Ioane | ||
| 64 | | M. Hunt | ||
| 59 | | M. Hunt | ||
| O. Black | | 41 | ||
| 34 | | M. Hunt | ||
| H. Plummer | | 24 | ||
| O. Black | | 17 | ||
| M. Telea | | 16 | ||
| 5 | | M. Hunt |
| 2 | Tries | 0 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 0 | ||
| 3 | Penalty Goals | 5 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Show Preview
It’s an all-New Zealand Super Rugby Trans-Tasman final as the Blues take on the Highlanders in the decider of the inaugural season. Follow along with the action from Eden Park with live scores on The Roar from 5:05pm (AEST).
It’s the first Super Rugby final of any kind for the Blues since 2003, while the Highlanders make their return to the decider for the first time since winning the title in 2015. Both these teams have played second fiddle to the Crusaders in recent years, but with the perennial champions narrowly missing out, they will both be relishing a chance to add more silverware to the cabinet.
The Blues were seldom threatened by Australian teams in a 5-0 home-and-away season, securing vital bonus points in their first three matches and looking a cut above their counterparts from across the ditch. While the Force did push them in a 31-21 victory at home in the final game, Leon McDonald’s men never truly looked like losing.
Blindside flanker Tom Robinson’s absence after suffering a head knock is a major blow, however; he has been in top form all season for the Blues. Prop Ofa Tuungafasi’s continued unavailability with a knee issue is equally troublesome, though Otere Black has recovered from his own knee concern to take his place in the starting 15.
The Highlanders also went through the Trans-Tasman season undefeated, with a thumping win over the Brumbies in the final round securing them the points they needed to keep ahead of the Crusaders. That victory at GIO Stadium also shows they are well and truly capable of winning on the road, a fact that should hold them in good stead ahead of their trip to Eden Park.
Acting coach Clark Dermody has the luxury of choosing an unchanged line-up from last week, though Jona Nareki and Pari Pari Parkinson will remain under injury clouds right up until kick-off. That does mean Shannon Frizell’s ankle injury hasn’t made a miraculous recovery for the final.
The match will also be co-captain and hooker Ash Dixon’s 100th appearance for the Highlanders. Can the underdogs mark the occasion with an upset win to claim Super Rugby Trans-Tasman glory?
Kick-off: 5:05pm (AEST)
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
TV: 9Gem
Live stream: Stan Sport
Betting: Blues $1.37, Highlanders $3.05 (odds via PlayUp)
Blues
(15-1): Zarn Sullivan, Bryce Heem, Rieko Ioane, TJ Faiane, Mark Telea, Otere Black, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii, Akira Ioane, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Nepo Laulala, Kurt Eklund, Alex Hodgman
Reserves: Ray Niuia, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Marcel Renata, Josh Goodhue, Blake Gibson, Jonathan Ruru, Harry Plummer, AJ Lam
Highlanders
(15-1): Josh Ioane, Sio Tomkinson, Michael Collins, Scott Gregory, Jona Nareki, Mitch Hunt, Aaron Smith (cc), Kazuki Himeno, Billy Harmon, Hugh Renton, Bryn Evans, Pari Pari Parkinson, Siate Tokolahi, Ash Dixon (cc), Ethan de Groot.
Reserves: Liam Coltman, Ayden Johnstone, Josh Hohneck, Josh Dickson, James Lentjes, Kayne Hammington, Sam Gilbert, Teariki Ben-Nicholas
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Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.