The Melbourne Rebels can secure qualification for the quarter‑finals if they secure victory over the Highlanders in Dunedin tonight.
The Highlanders have won five of their previous six games against the Rebels, including their last three on the bounce and a fixture‑record 39‑point win in their last meeting.
However, it remains to be seen whether they have the big‑match temperament to rise to the occasion in what is a vital game if they are to advance to the play‑offs.
But Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger doesn’t seem to be taking this game too seriously, making numerous changes as he gives plenty of youngsters a chance in something of a dead rubber for his side, as they have already qualified for the play‑offs. Ben Smith, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Elliot Dixon, Ash Dixon and Rob Thompson have all been rested.
The Rebels take on the Highlanders at 5.15pm today.
In other matches tonight, the Crusaders face the Blues at 7.35pm, the Waratahs will meet the Brumbies at 9.45pm, tomorrow the Lions will face the Bulls at 1.05am and the Sharks will take on the Jaguares at 3.15am.
The Hurricanes will host their quarterfinal next week against the Chiefs after defeating them 28-24 while the Reds beat the Sunwolves 48-27.
Source: PlanetRugby
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