Damian McKenzie's matchup with Ben Smith will be one to watch. Photo / Getty
The game between the Chiefs and the Highlanders in Hamilton tonight is a massive one for many reasons, not least of which are the key match-ups across the park.
It is the game of the round for the fact that, with so many players leaving the All Blacks at the
end of last year, many individuals have an opportunity to make statements during what will be a high-pressure occasion.
Many in-form players will face off, including halfbacks Brad Weber v Aaron Smith, first-fives Aaron Cruden v Lima Sopoaga, and fullbacks Damian McKenzie v Ben Smith. In the midfield, Chiefs Charlie Ngatai and Seta Tamanivalu will come up against All Black Malakai Fekitoa.
On the flip side to the individuals who can change a game in dramatic fashion, is how the game managers take control of it. I'm talking about the captaincy of Sam Cane v Ben Smith, the decision-making of the halfbacks, and, most importantly, how the first-fives perform.
This is a must-win game, particularly for the Highlanders, who have dropped three matches this season and are fighting to stay in contention, so the control exerted by Cruden and Sopoaga will go a long way to deciding the result.
