Shaun Goosen takes a look at the enticing fixture between Crusaders and Highlanders taking place at the AMI Stadium on Friday.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports.
Friday 21 February
Crusaders v Highlanders
08h05
AMI Stadium
To Win (80 mins)
Sunwolves 1/10
Draw 30/1
Chiefs 11/2
The Crusaders can advance their claims for a third straight New Zealand conference title when they host the Highlanders at AMI Stadium on Friday.
Despite coming unstuck against a very good Chiefs outfit in the second round, the defending champions bounced back well with an 8-25 win against the Blues in Auckland last time out.
Scott Robertson has recently applauded the leadership in his camp, with new skipper Scott Barrett clearly impressing his coach. Considering the mass exodus of experienced campaigners the franchise has suffered post the World Cup, it will be encouraging for them – and perhaps unnerving for opponents – to hear such words being spoken.
The Highlanders did superbly to score late, late on to beat the Brumbies in Canberra last week. They needed a big response following their disappointing opening loss to the Sharks, and while there is clearly still room for improvement, Aaron Mauger will be pleased with the character his side displayed.
Playing at the home of the Cantabrians this Friday, though, the Landers will be up against it. Not unlike every other team in the competition, the men from Dunedin have struggled against them these past few seasons. All things considered, that doesn’t look set to change here.
Verdict: Crusaders by 14
The hosts are nigh on impossible to beat at the AMI Stadium. They will claim a comfortable win.
Check out our Round 4 preview here.
