Hurricanes and Highlanders first-fives to go head to head

With Super Rugby spoils on the line on Saturday night in Wellington, Hurricanes and Highlanders first‑fives Beauden Barrett and Lima Sopoaga are about to go head to head.

Both players have performed at an elite level this year.

Based on the 1st eight formula, Beauden Barrett has been the third best first‑five this season while Sopoaga sits close behind in sixth.

Having played only 11 games this season, Barrett has scored three tries and assisted on three others, having a direct hand in a try during every 144 minutes of playing time.

Sopoaga has not been as prolific in scoring tries himself, with only two in 17 starts in the 10 jersey, but he has assisted on a competition‑leading 10 tries.

His creativity in attack means Sopoaga scores or assists a try once in every 105 minutes of playing time.

Much of that creative success is down to his killer cut‑out pass finding the likes of Malakai Fekitoa, Waisake Naholo and Patrick Osborne out wide.

The Hurricanes will host the Highlanders in the 2015 Super Rugby Final at 7.35pm this Saturday.

Source: Stuff.co