There will be plenty at stake when the Crusaders take on the Highlanders in their New Zealand South Island derby in Christchurch tonight.
Both sides have two matches left before the tournament’s knockout stages and as the defending champions and current table‑toppers, the Crusaders will be determined to finish the league phase on a high, while the Highlanders are desperate for victory to consolidate their spot amongst the playoff positions.
The men from Dunedin head into this match after a poor overall performance in their previous game, which they lost 45‑22 against the Chiefs in Suva last week.
There will be plenty of fanfare in the Crusaders ranks for this match as it will be a momentous occasion for their All Blacks loosehead prop, Wyatt Crockett, who is set to become the first player in Super Rugby history to play 200 games in the competition.
Matches between these sides are usually thrilling encounters as both like to run the ball from all areas of the field and with exciting attackers like David Havili, Seta Tamanivalu, Jack Goodhue and Richie Mo’unga in the Crusaders’ ranks and equally impressive strike runners like Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo and Rob Thompson lining up alongside potent playmakers in Lima Sopoaga and Aaron Smith, this should be another exciting hit out.
The Crusaders will host the Highlanders at 7.35pm while the Reds will take on the Rebels at 9.45pm.
In tomorrow’s games, the Chiefs will take on the Brumbies at 5.15pm, the Hurricanes will face the Blues at 7.35pm while the Waratahs will host the Sunwolves at 9.45pm.
On Sunday, the Bulls will take on the Jaguares at 1.05am while the Stormers will take on the Sharks at 3.15am.
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