Friday Super Rugby Action

March 09, 2018
1681
Ultimate Rugby

Round 4 of Super Rugby kicks off on Friday with two matches.

The first match of the day sees the Stormers travel to Forsyth Barr Stadium where they will face off against a strong Highlanders side.

The Highlanders have only played one game so far this season against the Blues, a match which they won 31-24. While this match will be the Stormers fourth match of the season.

The side from the Western Cape beat the Jaguares at home in the first match of the season before going down to the Waratahs and Crusaders.

The Stormers have lost their last nine games against New Zealand opposition, while the Highlanders have been responsible for two of those defeats having lost the previous 6 games against the Stormers prior to those two wins.

Damian Willemse is a welcomed returnee for the Stormers while Cobus Wiese is a notable absentee. Highlanders co-captain Ash Dixon is a blow for the Highlanders while they have given named Fijian winger Tevita Nabura in the starting XV on debut.

Players to Watch: Rob Thompson, Dillon Hunt, Steven Kitshoff and Damian Willemse

The Rebels and Brumbies clash in the second match of the day, in the only Australian derby of the weekend.

The Rebels are currently on top of the Australian conference having won their opening two matches with bonus point victories. While the Brumbies have been unconvincing having needed a late surge to beat the Sunwolves and going down to the Reds in round 3.

Rebels winger Jack Maddocks has been in fine form so far this season and has been involved in more tries than any other player (3 tries, 2 assists).