Moana Pasifika won’t get a better chance to snap their eight-match losing run.
Without a win since the opening round of the competition, the soon-to-be-defunct Super Rugby side will fancy their chances of rolling the Highlanders.
With the Blues, Hurricanes, and Reds at home, with an away game with the Brumbies to close out the regular season, it’s without a doubt their best chance to record their second victory of the season.
The Highlanders will have plenty to say about that, given it’s must-win for the southerners if they’re to remain in the playoff hunt.
Encouragingly for them, fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens is back earlier than expected from an ankle injury, a timely return given wing Caleb Tangitau is sidelined with a concussion.
The Highlanders play Moana Pasifika at 2pm.
Meanwhile, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will meet the Chiefs at 4.30pm.
