Highlanders not far behind Blues and Crusaders – Rugby news
A team that has won only three of their 13 matches in last year’s super rugby series are having a dream run in this year’s Super XV.
Under the radar, they have performed, improved and then sustained their rankings in the combined table. They have won same number of games as the Auckland Blues have done so far and they are just one point behind the Crusaders in the New Zealand Conference
and are placed at the third position, the Highlanders.
If Highlanders did not have missed their fourth try in their encounter against the Cheetahs, Highlanders will have the same number of points as the Crusaders.
Highlanders are also well placed in the Super XV combined table and have every chances to make to the play offs of the Super XV.
Highlanders so far have lost two games out of their seven games, and lose at both occasions coming from the Super XV combined table leaders. Highlanders have back-to-back games against the Stormers and Crusaders and ended up on the losing side in both the
games.
Although they suffered a heavy defeat against the Crusaders (44 – 13) they have a marginally better game against the Stormers by losing the game by just 12 points (18 – 6) which considering the Stormers current form is a good result.
Today they have defeated the Cheetahs, although the end result of 24 – 21 states a closely contested game. However, Highlanders enjoyed the ball possession and territory for most of time.
They recent triumphs have put them in better place as compare to the likes of Chiefs, Hurricanes, Brumbies, and Sharks etc. So far they have overcome the challenge of Hurricanes (beating them by 14 -9), Chiefs (23 – 13), a big win over Bulls (beating them
by 35 – 28) and Brumbies (beating them by 26 – 20).
If they continue in the similar fashion and if both Crusaders and Blues continue to deliver the expected result we may find three New Zealand Conference teams in the Final Play Offs.
However, if either of Crusaders or Blues lose their way, Highlanders can take over from either or both of them to ensure the presence of a New Zealand Conference team in the top five of combined Super XV table.
Highlanders are also different as unlike other teams who have relied on one or two players for their scorings due bulk of their scoring. Highlanders are doing actually the opposite with relying on many to score few points. Their top scorer so far after their
seven games is Robinson with 24 points. Robinson so far has scored 3 conversions and 6 penalties.
Highlanders will be taking on the super rugby newcomers Rebels during their round 9 encounter in Melbourne and will be looking forward to secure a bonus point alongside a win to better their position.
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