Who: Highlanders v Reds
When: Friday, February 27 – 5.35pm (AEDT)
Where : Forsyth Barr Stadium – Dunedin
I can watch it on: Fox Sports
Form guide:
Highlanders: Bye L
Reds: LW
Against each other:
Each team has beaten the other nine times over the years, but the Reds are currently on a four match winning streak.
The last six clashes between the two sides have been decided by seven points or fewer.
What you need to know:
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has made several changes after last weekend's loss to the Crusaders. Brendon Edmonds replaces Josh Hoeneck in the front row with Ash Dixon and Mark Reddish also joining the starting XV. Tasman playmaker Marty Banks makes his Highlanders debut at first-five with Lima Sopoaga unavailable for family reasons.
After withdrawing from the side at the last minute last weekend, James O'Connor is set to make his Reds debut from flyhalf. Anthony Faingaa returns from a serious cork suffered in preseason to join Samu Kerevi in the centres. Chris Feuai-Sautia moves to the wing.
Bold Prediction: The Reds did well to earn a win last weekend, but they’ll get steamrolled by the Highlanders this week.
Opta: