Crusaders vs Highlanders: Klein has gotten away with a high shot on de Groot, and is very lucky to not be red carded. The officials have called it accidental, but surely the TMO has to intervene.
Crusaders vs Highlanders: Predictions| Betting Tips| Result
Predictions:
Christchurch-based Crusaders held on through a scoreless second half and with 14 men for the last three minutes to beat the Dunedin-based Highlanders 17-14 Friday in Super Rugby Pacific.
Both teams scored two tries in a first half of tit-for-tat scoring and a penalty by All Blacks flyhalf Richie Mo’unga in the 26th minute proved unexpectedly decisive.
Betting Tips:
The Highlanders spent much of the second half and almost all of the final quarter on attack.
But they were unable to break down the resolute Crusaders’ defense which refused to yield even when replacement hooker Shilo Klein was shown a red card in 77th minute for a shoulder charge which struck the head of Highlanders prop Ethan de Groot.
Captain: Scott Barrett
Result:
All Blacks Joe Moody and Braydon Ennor, as well as Puma Pablo Matera, have returned to assist overcome the loss of three injured Crusaders.
Everything is black. Sam Whitelock (broken finger) will be out for at least four weeks, hooker Brodie McAlister (calf) will be out for four to six weeks, and lock Mitchell Dunshea (knee) will be out for the season.
Following their greatest performance of the season last week against the Chiefs in Hamilton, Robertson has made only a few changes, including inserting wing Sevu Reece into the starting lineup for Chay Fihaki and swapping halfbacks Mitchell Drummond and Bryn Hall.
