Blues vs Highlanders

Out of the the last eight Super Rugby matches between the Blues and the Highlanders the Blues have won six and the Highlanders two.
While that sounds intimidating for the Highlanders the most recent two matches have been won by the men from Dunedin.
Overall the Blues have played the Highlanders 20 times and they have won 13 of those matches or 65% of the matches.
The average score when the teams play each other is Blues 27 Highlanders 20.
This weekend's match will be played in Auckland where the teams have played each other 9 times. One match was played Pukekohe so the Blues have had home advantage in 10 matches.
In those 10 clashes the Blues have won 8 times or 80% of the matches. One
The average score when the Blues play the Highlanders in Auckland and Pukekohe is Blues 33 Highlanders 20.
The Blues have been able to bring All Black world cup winner Keven Mealamu for this weekend's match as one of two changes to the team that lost 23-16 to the Chiefs.
No one really knows what is going on with the Blues currently. They started the season so well but after coach Kirwan made sweeping changes to the team that played the Bulls they have slumped to three losses from five matches.
While the loss at home to the Bulls might have been a surprise the other two losses might not have been that big of a shock as they were away from home. This weekend they are back at home in Auckland.
If no one knows what is happening with the Blues even fewer can understand why the Highlanders are at the bottom of the standings and are without a win.
Many predicted big things for the Highlanders this season with all of their new signings but it has just not happened. They have to win a match some time soon.
This week they have named Jamie Mackintosh to make his first start of the season as Tony Woodcock is injured.

Last five results
26 May 2012 Blues v Highlanders 20-27 Auckland
20 Apr 2012 Blues v Highlanders 27-30 Dunedin
17 Jun 2011 Blues v Highlanders 33-16 Auckland
29 Apr 2011 Blues v Highlanders 15-10 Dunedin
19 Feb 2010 Blues v Highlanders 19-15 Dunedin
Blues overall record against the Highlanders
Played 20,Wins 13 ,Losses , 7 Draws 0
Match No.43: Blues v Highlanders
Date : .Friday 5 April
Venue : Eden Park, Auckland
Kick Off local: 19:35
Referee: Steve Walsh
Assistant Ref 1:Jonathon White
Assistant Ref 2:Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri
TMO : Ben Skeen
Teams
Blues
15. Charles Piutau,14. Frank Halai,13. Rene Ranger,12. Jackson Willison,11. George Moala,10. Chris Noakes,9. Piri Weepu,8. Peter Saili,7. Luke Braid,6. Steven Luatua,5. Ali Williams (C),4. Culum Retallick,3. Angus Ta'avao,2. James Parsons,1. Tim Perry
Replacements :16. Keven Mealamu,17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi,18. Anthony Boric,19. Brendon O'Connor,20. Jamison Gibson-Park,21. Baden Kerr,22. Francis Saili
Highlanders
1. Jamie Mackintosh ,2. Andrew Hore (Captain),3. Chris King ,4. Brad Thorn ,5. Josh Bekhuis ,6. Jarrad Hoeata 7. John Hardie,8. Mose Tuiali'i ,9. Aaron Smith,10. Colin Slade ,11. Hosea Gear (Vice-captain),12. Ma'a Nonu ,13. Jason Emery ,14. Buxton Popoalii ,15. Ben Smith