ben_smith_080318.jpg Ben Smith during the Highlanders captain's run at the Forsyth Barr Stadium on Thursday. PHOTO PETER MCINTOSHSomewhat unbelievably, the team then has its second bye - the Crusaders, Stormers and Lions will not have their first byes until the following week. The derby games are again shaping up as critical for the New Zealand teams. As New Zealand teams threaten to run over other opposition, the derby matches may well decide final placings. The Highlanders have been itching to get back out on the field, to back up the encouraging win over the Blues.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 08, 2018 16:41 UTC