online Video? Crusaders vs Highlanders Live - Watch Super Rugby Rd. 19 Online - 2 views
started by jeffersonsnow on 12 Jul 14
started by jeffersonsnow on 12 Jul 14
started by jeffersonsnow on 12 Jul 14
What: Round 19 Super Rugby - Crusaders v Highlanders
When: Saturday, July 12 - 5:35pm (AEST)
Where: AMI Stadium
I can view it on: Fox Sports
Rugby live streaming TV link >> http://w.atch.me/N5R6x2
http://w.atch.me/N5R6x2
http://w.atch.me/N5R6x2
What did they do last time?
Nemani Nadolo scored two tries as the Crusaders kept their push for second place on track with a 21-13 win against the Blues in Christchurch. The Highlanders were trounced 44-16 by the table-topping Waratahs in Sydney.
Things you need to know:
The Crusaders have made just one change to their starting line-up. Lock Sam Whitelock, who was a late scratching with a calf injury last week, is back in the second row. All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is still out with a broken rib so Matt Todd continues at openside. Dan Carter continues at second five-eighth.
The Highlanders have been dealt a blow with the news that star fullback Ben Smith is out of the match following his three-day stay in a Sydney hospital with a leg infection. Smith, who has been an ever-present in the Highlanders' starting line-up, was admitted to hospital after the loss to the Waratahs and while he is now back in Dunedin he is still on antibiotics and isn't in good enough shape to play. Trent Renata will start at fullback instead.
Reason to watch:
This match will decide who wins the New Zealand conference. If you need another reason, two words - Malakai Fekitoa.
Reason to turn away:
There isn't one. So much rides on this game.
Say what:
"It's pretty much the game plan. Get him as many touches as we can and see what the big man can do," - Crusaders openside flanker Matt Todd on try-scoring team-mate Nemani Nadolo.
Final instructions:
The Crusaders have made the playoffs every year since 2002 so it's unlikely they are going to mess up now and waste the chance to finish second and claim the all-important week off and home semi-final. The return of All Blacks Kieran Read and Dan Carter and Fijian flyer Nadolo has been huge for the seven-time champions who certainly won't want a repeat of the fixture in Dunedin when Israel Dagg had to make a match-saving tackle on the last play of the game.
The Highlanders haven't been in the playoffs since 2002 when they lost in the semi-final to the Crusaders. Last weekend's heavy loss to the Waratahs won't have done the confidence much good and not having Ben Smith there is a massive loss. But the Highlanders have dug deep all season and still have game-breakers in Fekitoa and Aaron Smith. They are going to need a big performance from the pack too if they are going to beat the odds and win the New Zealand conference. Crusaders by nine.