RUGBY PACIFIC, JUNE 2nd, 2023 AUCKLAND BLUES v OTAGO HIGHLANDERS
EDEN PARK,AUCKLAND
The final round of the Super Rugby Pacific season is upon us, and the stage is set for an epic showdown between the Auckland Blues and Otago Highlanders. With only one round remaining, quarterfinal placings and hosting rights are up for grabs, intensifying the competition among the teams.
Eleven out of the twelve teams are still in contention, with five clubs battling for the last two spots in the finals draw. The race is tight, and every point matters, making bonus points a significant factor in the equation.
Currently, the Reds and the Highlanders hold the seventh and eighth positions, respectively. However, they face tough away fixtures against the Fijian Drua and the Blues, challenging their chances of securing a spot in the top eight.
Just below them in the standings, the Western Force, Drua, and Melbourne Rebels are still in the hunt, hoping for victories and favorable outcomes in other matches to advance.
While the Chiefs have already secured the top spot, the remaining positions in the top six are yet to be determined. The Crusaders, Blues, Brumbies, Hurricanes, and Waratahs are guaranteed playoff berths, but their final rankings are still up for grabs.
Amidst the uncertainty, the Blues have an opportunity to solidify their position by putting on a strong performance. While they might consider resting some players, a determined display will ensure they finish no lower than third.
On the other hand, the Highlanders have been riding a wave of late victories, albeit with some controversy. Despite their recent successes against the Rebels and Reds, questions remain about their overall strength. A win over the Blues would secure their quarterfinal place and replicate last season’s achievement of sneaking into the playoffs from eighth position. The fate of the Highlanders is in their own hands, but a loss would leave them anxiously awaiting the outcomes of other matches.
Ultimately, the Highlanders need a bonus-point win in their challenging fixture against the Blues to guarantee their playoff berth. However, if they fall short, their playoff chances will depend on how other teams perform. While it’s mathematically possible, it would require a fortunate turn of events for the Highlanders to secure a spot in the top eight after a loss.
In this thrilling encounter between the Auckland Blues and Otago Highlanders, the Super Rugby Pacific competition reaches its climax. Stay tuned for the latest updates and insights on this exciting battle that will determine the quarterfinalists and set the stage for the knockout stages of the tournament.
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Andrew Makalio, Jermaine Ainsley, Pari Pari Parkinson, Max Hicks, Shannon Frizell, Billy Harmon (c), Hugh Renton, Aaron Smith, Freddie Burns, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Matt Whaanga, Scott Gregory, Mitch Hunt
RESERVES: Rhys Marshall, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Sean Withy, Folau Fakatava, Connor Garden-Bachop, Fetuli Paea
There’s no questioning the Blues, especially with six wins from their last seven and they will also have the confidence of a 60-20 win against the Highlanders in February.
It might be close for a while but that bonus point to bring them level with the Crusaders (for 24 hours at least) and ensure that they cannot be caught by the Brumbies.
BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Nepo Laulala, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), James Tucker, Tom Robinson, Anton Segner, Dalton Papalii, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, Bryce Heem, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Zarn Sullivan
RESERVES: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, Rob Rush, Akira Ioane, Sam Nock, Stephen Perofeta, AJ Lam
Finals match ups
Quarterfinals – 1 v 8, 2 v 7, 3 v 6 and 4 v 5 with the top-ranked team hosting
Semi-Finals – top-ranked quarter-final winner hosts against lowest-ranked quarter-final winner & 2nd highest ranked quarterfinal winner hosts 3rd highest ranked winner.
Final – top-ranked semi-final winner hosts the other semi-final winner.
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
PREDICTION
I think the boys from the South will be up against it in Auckland, and I will go with the Blues to take this out, probably by 15 plus points.
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