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Crusader center Jack Goodhue does not need to remember how difficult games against the Highlanders may be when they met in Dunedin earlier this season.
Crusaders can plunge Christchurch into the eyes of the storm Super Rugby A point of competition against the Highlanders at "Wyatt Crockett Stadium" on Friday night should be enough to catapult Crusaders out of reach of their closest rivals, the Hurricanes, and make Garden City the subject of Sanzaar. the competition as long as the local team remains alive during the series of sudden deaths that begins with a quarterfinal on July 21st.
A defeat would not be a big drama for the title holders as they will stay at the top of the log with a round robin match against the Blues in Christchurch to be played. But no matter who says that coach Scott Robertson or Captain Sam Whitelock has had better scammers to call as back-up: chatting such a theory could result in a thick ear.
STUFF
Scott Robertson (left) and Aaron Mauger played together for the All Blacks, and will train against each other in Christchurch on Friday night.
Crusaders have the fever of zapping the Highlanders, who could be currently in sixth place, and that's all. The victories engender confidence, and since this team is playing together for the first time since they defeated the Chiefs 34-20 in Hamilton on June 2, they will be desperate to build a pace and cohesion so close to the final.
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"It is really important to gain momentum," Robertson said. "We understand their situation (the Highlanders), and we know that they arrive … Whenever we play a derby, it's difficult, but this one is special for a lot of reasons."
JOSEPH JOHNSON
Scott Robertson (left) and Aaron Mauger were working as assistants under the Former Canterbury head coach Rob Penney
"special support". He will make his 200th appearance in Super Rugby for the Crusaders as he leaves the bench, and to celebrate the feat, the club has named the stadium in his honor for this match. Crockett's teammates would be horrified to score the occasion with a loss, and they will make all kinds of promises not to spoil the party. Yet, as history proves, that does not mean anything.
It's not uncommon for teams to swear that they will win a game for a guy who will bring a memorable milestone, only to stumble. The Crusaders have won their last 10 games, with the Highlanders inflicting the most recent defeat – a 25-17 win for the Southerners at Dunedin on March 17th.
"It obviously hurt that night," Robertson admitted. "They have done very well, the Highlanders, who are good friends for a lot of boys and a group of coaches, there are many for a lot of reasons."
1 NEWS
The All Blacks captain was sidelined for nearly eight months after undergoing a back surgery.
Even though Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger had not worked closely with Robertson during their days in Canterbury, he still knew how the Crusaders, who had not lost at home for nearly two years, were going to try to inflict damage. 19659027] The Crusaders will line up an advanced pack full of tough brawlers and All Blacks captain Kieran Read, who starts at No. 8, will add more power under the hood. Once the softening is done, Richie Mo 'unga will be responsible for organizing the backline strikes.
Read, making his spinal surgery return, can be replaced at half-time by Jordan Taufua or a reshuffle could result in a Scott Barrett blocking being switched to blind flanker. It depends on how much juice Read left in his fuel pot.
1 NEWS
Highlanders captain Ben Smith says his team is looking to redeem themselves against the Crusaders after a loss to the Chiefs.
"We have a plan around him (Read)," said Robertson. "We are looking to bring him to the half time and see how he goes, Jordie (Taufua) will also manage the time, but we wanted him to have a clear and good week, the l & # 39; experience will not fail him, with nearly 300 games to his credit. "
IN BRIEF
Highlanders vs. Crusaders
Stadium Wyatt Crockett, Christchurch, Friday , 19h35 [19659007] Referee: Brendon Pickerill
TAB Cote: Crusaders $ 1.35, Highlanders $ 3.00
Highlanders: Ben Smith (co-captain), Waisake Naholo, Thompson Rob, Tei Walden, Richard Buckman, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, James Lentjes, Elliot Dixon / Liam Squire, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Tokolahi Siate, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Aki Seiuli, Tyrel Lomax, Pari Parkinson Bet, Shannon Frizell, Kayne Hammington, Josh Ioane, Fletcher Smith
Crusaders: David Havili, Seta Tamanivalu, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, George Bridge, Richie Mo's unga, Bryn Hall, Kieran Read, Todd Matt, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Sam Whitelock (Capt), Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Andrew Makalio, Joe Moody. Reserves: Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Michael Alaalatoa, Quinten Strange, Jordan Taufua, Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt, Manasa Mataele
RECEPTION TICKET
Specsavers and Investec Super Rugby assure you not to To win, all you have to do is give Stuff players the chance to win a double stint at the Crusaders v Blues match in Christchurch on July 14th. The prize is accompanied by a voucher for two pairs of Specsavers frames.
Facebook group Rugby Stuff, or head over to the page if you are already a member. In the comments field of the commercial, choose the score for the match between Crusaders and Highlanders this Friday night.
The closest scoring prediction will win the prize. The cutoff is Saturday at 19:35.
– Practical Information
