Blink and you’re out for the season

Nobody should be under any illusion just how high the stakes will be at Westpac Stadium tonight.

It’s not quite a knockout match, but a loss would put a serious, and potentially terminal, dent in one of the Hurricanes’ or Highlanders’ hopes of reaching the Super Rugby playoffs.

The sides are tied on 30 competition points, sixth and seventh respectively on the competition ladder and both faced with a tough run home.

With a game in hand the Highlanders’ season is arguably in less peril, but with away trips to Christchurch and Sydney to come, coach Jamie Joseph needs all the breathing space he can get.

Likewise the Hurricanes cannot afford to blink. With a bye in the final round they will have just four more matches to book a place in the post- season.

It’s a backdrop that has ramped up the pressure in both camps, with the injury and suspension- hit Highlanders delaying naming their team until late yesterday afternoon.

First five- eighth Lima Sopoaga was ruled out with an ankle injury and, without senior prop Chris King, the Highlanders’ scrum will be a going concern with Argentinian recruit Matias Diaz in line to make his Super Rugby debut off the bench.

There are some cracking matchups, most notably at halfback where TJ Perenara will lift against Aaron Smith, and centre where the king, Conrad Smith, squares up against the prince, Malakai Fekitoa.

But the teamsheets firm the Hurricanes’ favouritism for a match that’s clearly seen coaches Mark Hammett and Alama Ieremia look back to their 35- 31 loss in Dunedin in round six.

On that occasion a poorly executed kick- chase game and an inability to get out of their half proved costly.

In fullback Ben Smith they have the most damaging counterattacker in the game and in halfback Aaron Smith one of the best kicking halfbacks.

Tim Bateman’s selection at second five- eighth ahead of Alapati Leiua gives an insight into the Hurricanes’ mindset.

Bateman has vision that few possess. He sees space and will be a second set of eyes for halves Perenara and Beauden Barrett, telling them when and where to kick.

Wing Cory Jane gave an insight into the importance of the kickers getting their height and length right.

‘‘ Every week since the beginning of the year we’ve talked about when we kick to get wins, whether that’s get the ball back or they drop it or we make it hard for them at the breakdown,’’ he said.