Highlanders

Super Rugby Pacific: Hurricanes 22, Highlanders 21

The Highlanders are set to welcome the Hurricanes to Dunedin for a final New Zealand derby before both sides take on the Australian leg of the Super Rugby Pacific competition.

The two sides met in Round Three with the Hurricanes finishing the match victorious in a 21-14 win.

The Hurricanes will come into the game with added motivation having narrowly missed out on a win against the Crusaders in the last round.

Hurricanes coach Jason Holland has named a refreshed lineup with only seven players remaining from the starting line-up that played the Crusaders.

Moana Pasifika looking to bounce back against bottom club Highlanders

While Moana Pasifika have one success in their debut season, the Highlanders remain winless after seven rounds.

After being on the receiving end of a 46-16 defeat at the hands of the Blues, head coach Aaron Mauger reflected on the week that was.

"Although we know we're heading in the right direction as a team we were disappointed that we didn't offer our best performance against the Blues at Eden Park," Mauger said.

Crusaders survive Highlanders onslaught in Super Rugby Pacific

Despite having plenty thrown at them after the break, the home side hung on for a 17-14 victory in Christchurch on Friday night.

The visitors never stopped coming throughout the second half and with just three minutes to play there was one last opening when Crusaders replacement hooker Shilo Klein was sent off for a high tackle on Highlanders prop Ethan de Groot.

But the Crusaders managed to close it out in the final moments, meaning a strong defensive effort was eventually rewarded.

Covid-19 numbers grow in Highlanders and Blues camps

In a release the Highlanders said they had cancelled today's training session, but at this point there has been no decision made on Friday's game in Dunedin.

They said there had been no change to the rest of their schedule this week.

The Highlanders have managed to play four games so far this season, losing all four of them.

However, another postponed game would be a major setback for Moana Pasifika, who have played just one game so far.

They had two games postponed at the start of the season because of Covid-19 in their camp.

Blues battle past Highlanders in Super Rugby Pacific

After playing on for 10 minutes beyond the final hooter, the Blues left the field as 32-20 victors and Highlanders head home still searching for a way to win this season.

Covid-19 cases impacted on who was available to take the park on Friday, with the Highlanders leaving some of their squad in Dunedin and the Blues forced into making late changes to the starting side.

Hurricanes win error-strewn game

The three tries to two win was a gutsy effort from the home side, but the visiting Highlanders now sit winless after three games.

The Hurricanes were strong on defence in Wellington and their bench players made an impact when they came on the field.

Both teams made plenty of errors, but the Hurricanes endured for their second straight win, after last week beating the Blues in a stunning finish.

Hurricanes captain Ardie Savea said Covid-19 was going through the team.

"With omicron, there were some late changes," Savea said.

Highlanders forced to cancel Queenstown pre-season game

Due to New Zealand's shift to the Covid-19 red light setting, the Queenstown match on February 14 had been called off.

The franchise, though, hoped the match could still be played in a different location.

"This is a difficult pill to swallow for the Highlanders," Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark said.

"We would also like to acknowledge all the local contractors and suppliers who have worked with us for the last two years and the local community, especially kids, who ultimately lose out at the end of the day."

Crusaders to reveal bold new away jersey, Highlanders go back to maroon

Home jerseys for the Hurricanes, Chiefs and Highlanders are advertised for sale in the UK and Ireland, as well as alternative jerseys for the Crusaders, Chiefs and Highlanders. No Blues designs were advertised.

The Crusaders alternative jersey is a complete redesign from this year's version, complete with a representation of the Southern Alps across the chest.

“Displaying a snow-capped version of the home shirt's Southern Alps graphic, this Crusaders rugby jersey transports its unifying message to away grounds,” the website said.

Highlanders confirm 'gaps to fill' in roster as Waisake Naholo returns to NZ

Naholo played only a handful of games during a two-year spell in the UK as he battled a persistent knee injury.

However, he is a chance of playing club rugby in Dunedin this weekend and when asked about Naholo, Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark told Stuff on Monday that they “still have gaps to fill for 2022”.

The Highlanders would have to be convinced that Naholo’s knee could stand up to the rigours of Super Rugby, particularly after Liam Squire and Nehe Milner-Skudder both struggled for game time this year.

Blues claim Trans-Tasman silverware

They have beaten the Highlanders 23-15 in the Trans-Tasman final at Eden Park in Auckland to lift their first Super Rugby trophy since 2003.

Blake Gibson scored the match-sealing try for the Blues in the 77th minute after a tense second half which saw the Highlanders overturn a 13-6 halftime deficit.

"I haven't scored many tries and I normally show no emotion as well, but that one felt pretty good, aye," Gibson told Sky Sport.