Right, not long until we get back into Super Rugby. Pretty happy with the Highlander side overall. I'm a bit surprised to see Mitchell starting at hooker, as I rate him as our 3rd best hooker (though he is a good young player), though I'm delighted to see Franklin starting at lock ahead of Hoeata. Franklin has looked good off the bench so far, so hopefully he takes his chances, as I think he has the potential to be a very good Super Rugby player. I would have preferred Evans at 6, but Dixon has done a solid job there this year. Our backline is the best we can field, though I would have preferred to see someone other than Burleigh on the bench (Baker or Emery would have been fine).
The Chiefs forward pack looks pretty good, but there is a new backline again this week. Hopefully the lack of established combinations will play into the Highlanders hands! It will be interesting to see how Fruean goes - I expect the Highlanders will looks to target him on defense, especially considering he hasn't played at this level for quite a few months. Surely the Chiefs would be better starting Nanai-Williams or Lowe on the wing over Sweeney? Sweeney is a solid player, but the other options would offer far more in my opinion.
The Chiefs haven't exactly looked like a Championship side this season, but I do think they will start this match as slight favourites, especially with Cruden starting to get back into some form. I expect both sides will looks to play some expansive rugby, so we should hopefully see a high scoring match. I'm picking the Chiefs by 5. If the Highalanders do lose I would prefer it didn't happen in the last play of the match though - these last few rounds have been quite painful for Highlanders fans.....
