//Getty Images
|
Preview: Highlanders v Waratahs
Sportal.co.nz - (29/04/2010)
Attempting to stop a Waratahs train travelling a full pace looks a daunting task for the Highlanders even on a ground where Australian sides have tripped up so often in the past.
HEAD TO HEAD: Played 14 – Highlanders 3, Waratahs 11.
LAST TIME: February 27, 2009 (Sydney) – Waratahs 34-16 Highlanders.
LAST TIME AT VENUE: These teams have not previously met at Invercargill.
WALKING WOUNDED: First-five Michael Hobbs suffered a hand injury last week that will keep him out and Robbie Robinson and Matt Berquist have been bracketed here, with a final decision to be made closer to game time, but otherwise the same team as played against the Hurricanes was named. Two Waratahs – prop Benn Robinson and centre Rob Horne – were considered but omitted due to their injuries still not being fully healed. Sekope Kepu damaged a calf last week and misses this match, with Dan Palmer taking over in the front row. The reserves bench contains a number of inexperienced men but the starting XV has a tried-and-true look to it.
FORM:
PAST FIVE Highlanders:
Round 7: Beat Lions 39-29
Round 8: Lost to Chiefs 21-26
Round 9: Lost to Force 27-41
Round 10: Bye
Round 11: Lost to Hurricanes 31-33
PAST FIVE Waratahs:
Round 7: Beat Blues 39-32
Round 8: Beat Cheetahs 40-17
Round 9: Lost to Crusaders 13-20
Round 10: Bye
Round 11: Beat Brumbies 19-12
The Highlanders were a lot better last week against the Hurricanes but never led at any stage of a match were tit-for-tat tries were the order of the day. Bronson Murray's last-gasp try did secure a second point for the home side, which few would argue against on the run of play. That said, however, the Highlanders season has been over for some time now and this is the first of three matches against leading Australian sides; the best the southerners can do is act as spoilers for other New Zealand sides. The Waratahs have reverted to type in matches that matter and are playing percentage rugby that has irked the critics, but it's getting the job done. That game against the Brumbies wasn't the prettiest but nobody in Sydney will complain over the four points that resulted. The Waratahs sit one point outside the four and, with a nice run home, must really fancy their chances of tipping somebody else out and securing a playoff berth.
WHO'S HOT: Despite a blowup with ref Vinny Munro early on, Jimmy Cowan turned in a fine performance for the Highlanders last week and was instrumental in most of the side’s good moments. He received excellent support from Adam Thomson – another to shine in the loose – and Chris King was a rock in the front row. Israel Dagg, who has only been a part-time kicker until this season, needs ten points to raise 100 for the season and has done a good job shooting at goal. Waratahs skipper Phil Waugh has been in dynamic form recently and tough battles always bring out the best in him, so expect to see the No 7 in the thick of the action all night. Dean Mumm has also been in fine all-round form up front, while Daniel Halangahu (an 81 percent goal-kicker) and speedster Lachie Turner need careful watching at all times if and when the Waratahs look to spread the ball wide.
WE THINK: We think the Waratahs have too much to play for to miss out against one of their Super 14 bunnies. One suspects they won’t try anything fancy and probably won't need to, as their attack should be good enough and the defence certainly will be. Our call is a 10-point Waratahs win, and a bonus point will be just that.
TEAMS:
Highlanders: 1.Chris King, 2.Jason Rutledge, 3.Clint Newland, 4.Josh Bekhuis, 5.Hayden Triggs, 6. Adam Thomson, 7. Alando Soakai, 8. Steven Setephano, 9.Jimmy Cowan (captain), 10. Robbie Robinson or Matt Berquist, 11. Fetu'u Vainikolo, 12. Jason Shoemark, 13.Kendrick Lynn, 14.Ben Smith, 15.Israel Dagg.
Reserves: 16.Peter Mirrielees, 17.Bronson Murray, 18.Joe Tuineau, 19.John Hardie, 20.Scott Cowan, 21. Berquist or Robinson, 22. James Paterson.
Waratahs: 1.Dan Palmer, 2.Tatafu Polota-Nau, 3.Al Baxter, 4.Dean Mumm, 5.Kane Douglas, 6. Dave Dennis, 7.Phil Waugh (captain), 8. Ben Mowen, 9. Josh Holmes, 10.Daniel Halangahu, 11.Drew Mitchell, 12.Berrick Barnes, 13. Tom Carter, 14.Lachlan Turner, 15.Kurtley Beale.
Reserves: 16.Damien Fitzpatrick, 17.Jeremy Tilse, 18. Chris Thomson, 19. Patrick McCutcheon, 20. Luke Burgess, 21. Rory Sidey, 22.Sosene Anesi.
REFEREE: Bryce Lawrence
Pass It On
0