2020 Super Rugby Aotearoa – Highlanders vs Crusaders Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Highlanders vs Crusaders taking place? Saturday 4th July, 2020 – 08:05 (UK)
Where is Highlanders vs Crusaders taking place? Forsyth Barr Stadium
What channel is Highlanders vs Crusaders on? Sky Sports Action
Where can I stream Highlanders vs Crusaders? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match via Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Highlanders vs Crusaders? Visit this link for ticket information on Super Rugby games
THE TEAM NEWS
HIGHLANDERS
- The week off did not serve the Highlanders well as they were unable to build on their victory in their opening match of Super Rugby Aotearoa with the Blues proving too good for them in last week’s contest.
- Highlanders trailed by 12 points at the break and despite mounting a second half comeback that saw them take the lead, the Blues were able to retake the lead and held on with the Highlanders several opportunities to level the scores from penalties.
- In what is expected to be a physical battle up front, the Highlanders have altered their front row with Daniel Lienert-Brown, Liam Coltman and Jeff Thwaites named in the starting side while Sam Gilbert has suffered a serious injury so Ngatungane Punivai takes his place on the wing.
CRUSADERS
- Crusaders made it two wins from two to begin their Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign as they edged the Chiefs in a low-scoring encounter last week and they will now hope to maintain their 100% record as they face the Highlanders.
- The Crusaders built a 15-point lead in the second half of last week’s clash and despite the Chiefs pulling to within five, Crusaders held on for the win and they will be confident of extending their superb run of form that has seen them win 11 of their last 12 games in Super Rugby action.
- Despite the win against the Chiefs, the Crusaders have made five changes to their side with Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Mitch Drummond, Leicester Faingaanuku and David Havili coming into the starting XV while Fetuli Paea will debut from the bench.
THE PREDICTION
Highlanders lost their first game of Super Rugby Aotearoa last week while Crusaders made it two wins from two. Both will take plenty from their respective matches but it is the visitors here who will be the more confident of the two. They have won their last four matches against the Highlanders and having lost just one of their last 12 Super Rugby games, the Crusaders should be able to take the lead into half-time and see it through to the final hooter.
