New Zealand’s Super Rugby Aotearoa has continued to produce world class rugby week-in, week-out since the beginning of the season.
With the undefeated and clear competition leaders the Crusaders on the bye, two competitive matches are scheduled in Round 5 of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Round 5 of Super Rugby Aotearoa opens in Dunedin on Friday afternoon and a terrific opportunity awaits the Highlanders.
The Highlanders are fresh following a week off, and they’ve returned several typically tough efforts already this season, not reflective of their 1-2 season record.
The Hurricanes, while noticeably better, have been New Zealand’s equivalent of the Waratahs in 2021.
They arrive in Round 5 winless after three matches and off the back of a defeat to the previously winless Chiefs.
The line has been set at less than a try at just 4.5 points, and I think that the Highlanders will cover that comfortably at Forsyth-Barr.
The Chiefs and the Blues will each be confident of their chances in winning this weekend and I think that will convert into a terrific contest in Waikato.
The Chiefs weathered a lean start to their 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign, but they enter this match full of confidence following an impressive and tough win over the Hurricanes.
There’s obviously no doubt that they face a notable rise in class, but last week’s effort was suggestive of an improving side, and their performance in this match will be telling of how they are travelling.
The Blues became the latest side to feel the wrath of the Crusaders, but there was still a lot to like about what they did, and they appear to be the clear second-best side in New Zealand.
I’m happy to stick with them to bounce back.