Thirteen wins in a row.
Back-to-back wins against the Highlanders this season.
A home venue for the quarterfinal.
Those Blues sure have the odds stacked in their favour.
But Highlanders coach Tony Brown has heard it all before.
He knows how much quality there is in the Blues side and how tough they will be to upset in tonight’s Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinal at Eden Park.
But all he can do is ask his side to give it everything and hope that is enough. And it might not be enough. Hell, it probably will not be enough.
But as long as the effort is there, then Brown will be able to live with the result.
"What can I say that hasn’t been said? They are just an awesome rugby team. Just leave it at that," he said.
Asked if there were any chinks in the armour the Highlanders could exploit, he was not giving much away there either.
"Not at this stage. I’ll tell you on Saturday night."
But the game did jog the memory.
"I always remember when I first started playing for Otago and the Highlanders, the Blues were always the team that was tough to beat, especially when you are going up to Eden Park.
"I remember in ’95 when we played the final up there for Otago when they had 13 All Blacks. We came just a little bit short on a penalty try, I think.
"Back in those days the Otago side and the Highlanders sides just used to give it everything they had," Brown said.
"They weren’t afraid of taking on the Blues and this weekend we’ve got to be the same. We’ve got to give it everything we’ve got."
A few weeks back Brown was annoyed with the way his side had prepared for the game against the Waratahs.
There was quite a bit of disruption in the build-up, but he blasted his side afterwards.
This week has gone better.
"Other than having a short turnaround, and having to fly back from Melbourne, it is probably the first time we’ve had a full team to select from and a full team to train against us.
"The boys have had a good week."
Not quite everyone is available. Regular first five Mitch Hunt is out with concussion. Hard-working loose forward James Lentjes has been ruled out with a shoulder complaint and utility back Sam Gilbert is suspended.
Hookers Liam Coltman and Rhys Marshall are both out, which means loan player Leni Apisai will debut from the bench.
But fullback Connor Garden-Bachop has recovered from a head knock. Winger Mosese Dawai is fit and free of the flu, as it Scott Gregory, who will start at second five.
And All Black loose forward Shannon Frizell has returned from a knee injury, which has sidelined him since early April.
He will bring plenty of physicality.
And the Highlanders will need that. The Blues have talent throughout and man for man more than match up.
But for all their advantages — 11 All Blacks, 13 consecutive wins, home soil — it is still a one-off game.
- The Highlanders confirmed last night they would likely be without their most experienced player and captain. All Black halfback Aaron Smith has a groin injury and is unlikely to play.
Smith has not been in the best form this season, but his absence would still be sorely felt.
Back-up Folau Fakatava has been in excellent touch.
