19.07.2014 Live - Sharks vs Highlanders free streaming online TV
SHARKS v HIGHLANDERS. Everything you need to know about the Sharks v Highlanders Super Rug by qualifying final at Kings Park, Durban.
WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN: Super Rugby qualifying final, Kings Park, Durban, 1.05am AEST Sunday
FORM GUIDE: Sharks W-L-L-W-W, Highlanders L-L-W-L-L
MATCH ODDS: (sportingbet.com.au) Sharks $1.14, Highlanders $6 (as at 3.30pm, 17/7).
FULL LINE-UPS: Click here for the Sharks v Highlanders teams
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: The winner advances to the Super Rugby semi-finals; the loser heads for Mad Money.
TALE OF THE TAPE
The Durban-based Sharks were the early frontrunners for the Super Rugby minor premiership after winning seven of their opening eight games. Under new coach Jake White the Sharks used a traditional South African power game to overwhelm their opponents and kick their way to victory. White’s side lost some of its fear factor after dropping a home game to this weekend’s opponents — the Highlanders — and came further back to the pack following a road loss to the Brumbies. Defeats either side of the June Test break to South African rivals cost them a realistic shot at top spot, but the Sharks bounced back to winning ways with an impressive 34-10 result away to the Stormers last weekend. That gave them a much-needed lift in confidence heading into the finals. In further good news, flyhalf Patrick Lambie looks set to return after a long lay-off with an arm injury.
Star fullback Ben Smith is back for the Highlanders.
The Sharks’ opponents on Sunday morning, the Highlanders are playing finals footy for the first time since 2002 after bouncing back from last year’s shocker with an exciting charge to the top six. The two Smiths — halfback Aaron and fullback Ben — have again been the go-to men but the Dunedin-based side have also unearthed the find of the season in outside centre Malakai Fekitoa. With that trio running riot, and a hard-working pack getting the job done up front, the Highlanders racked up enough wins to be in contention for the New Zealand conference heading into the final round of the regular season. Last weekend’s defeat to the Crusaders saw them drop back to sixth spot and in a worrying sign the Highlanders have picked up just one victory in their past five matches. The return of star fullback Ben Smith is a timely boost.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Bismarck du Plessis v Ged Robinson
Former Rebel Robinson has been handed a starting role for the Highlanders and with it one of the toughest jobs in world rugby — matching up with Sharks captain and hardman du Plessis.
The Springboks star missed the round 11 loss to the Highlanders through injury and is looking to make up for it. He has spoken about how the Sharks were dominated up front physically that day and vowed to take the battle to the Highlanders.