I think the Highlanders have a clear advantage in the loose forwards department and I am hoping this is not the difference between the two teams come full-time. Hopefully, Barnes brings some of that form he showed at the end of last year to the table and Foley continues to make his presence felt. A win for the Waratahs here will be a win for Australian rugby.
Re-watched the Highlanders vs CRU yesterday and must say I think the Tahs are up against it this week. Tahs might have the best "spin" and PR in the country (apart from JOC (James O'Connor)), but they truly haven't looked that cohesive this year.
I'm a huge fan of TPN, Kepu, Dennis and Fatcat but not sure they will be able to hold the Highlanders at bay. Pretorious is fast on his feet but his pass is looking slower and slower as the backs be one more of a rabble.
Barney's cant get back soon enough, to both get Carter off the field and give them some direction. (carter has run 2 good lines in 2 games, defence is ordinary and as usual gets more press for controversy than playing rugby).
Adam Two-Dads looks lonely out on the wing and no-one looks likely of getting the ball to him, same goes for Kingston, who looks the goods.
Foley has been the find of the comp so far.....he will get a real workout with Gear, and the other 2 no name centers from Dunedin playing really well.
Too hard to pick this one