The Highlanders have torn up the for book and have a bonus point wrapped up after less than 35 minutes! Hosea Gear with the fourth as he evades a number of would be challengers to dot down.

No doubt about the grounding and Smith is granted his try. Hard to put into words how dominant the Highlanders have been. First blip perhaps being Slade's missed conversion.

Referee Johnathon White goes upstairs to check the grounding on what would be Ben Smith's second try.

After sustained pressure, Ellison crosses for his sides second try. He does well to hold off the challenge of Rene Ranger and cross for the score that his side deserves.

Highlanders turn down their first shot at 3 points but at the second opportunity they opt to take the points and Slade extends their lead to 10-0.

Concerns here for Blue's scrum-half Piri Weepu who took a heavy bang to the head. Medics on the field to attend to the All-Black.

The try from the Highlanders seems to have woken the Blues up. A break from Halai after a good offload Saili gets them their first bit of territory in the game.

Impressive play from the Highlanders in the early exchanges. Colin Slade and his backs looking impressive. After owning the ball for the opening 10 minutes, Highlanders best player this year Ben Smith picks and crosses the line from close range on his birthday!

Interesting match-up on a number of fronts today. The Highlanders have found themselves rooted to the foot of the table but the motivation of the Gordon Hunter memorial trophy on offer today gives them something to play for. The Blues on the other hand are just one place outside the play-off positions. Also with a New Zealand squad to be announced tomorrow, plenty of today's players will be hoping to impress.