Blues vs Highlanders
The Blues take on the Highlanders in this final round match of Super Rugby 2023 before the playoffs. The home team are currently in third spot following their impressive win over the Hurricanes last time out. They will need a bonus point win and a huge points margin victory if they are to overtake the second placed Crusaders. The visitors on the other hand are clinging to a playoff position and need a victory in this match to secure a top eight finish. If they lose, they will need all the three teams nearest to them to all lose, in order for them to progress to the quarter finals.
TIP: The Blues are still without Beauden Barrett for this match as he continues to recover from the heel injury he picked up three matches ago. Harry Plummer will continue to deputise for the All Black in the ten jersey. The home team have rested Hoskins Sotutu for this match which should give the Highlanders a chance of causing an upset. The visitors have kept changes to a minimum in their quest for victory. The bookies have the Blues as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.14., Gbets 1.13 and Hollywoodbets 1.14
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Blues vs Highlanders
- The Blues have won the last five matches against the Highlanders.
- The last time the Highlanders beat the Blues was in 2021.
Latest results for both teams
The Blues beat the Hurricanes 36-25 in their last match while the Highlanders beat the Reds 35-30 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Highlanders will be keen to gain some revenge for the 60-20 annihilation they suffered in the reverse fixture earlier this season. The Blues have taken the opportunity to rest some key personnel but their player of the season, Mark Telea is on the team sheet. The winger scored four tries in the last match to go top of the try scorer charts. The visitors will need their forwards to match up to the home teams pack if they are to have any chance of winning. The class of the Blues will see them coast to victory by more than 17 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Blues
15 Zarn Sullivan, 14 Mark Telea, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Bryce Heem, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Harry Plummer, 9 Finlay Christie 8 Dalton Papalii (c), 7 Anton Segner, 6 Tom Robinson, 5 James Tucker, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Ofa Tuungafasi
Highlanders
15 Mitch Hunt, 14 Scott Gregory, 13 Matt Whaanga, 12 Sam Gilbert, 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Freddie Burns, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Hugh Renton, 7 Billy Harmon (c), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Max Hicks, 4 Pari Pari Parkinson, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Ethan de Groot
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Saracens victory are as follows:
Betway 1.14
Gbets 1.13
Hollywoodbets 1.14
Odds comparison on the Saracens handicap:
The complete odds on the Saracens handicap:
Betway 1.90 (-15.5)
Gbets 1.87 (-15.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-15.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are decent returns on the Saracens outright win but if you looking for better odds then we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (-15.5), Gbets 1.87 (-15.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-15.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
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Bulls vs Griffons
Pumas vs Cheetahs
Sharks vs Lions
Stade Francais vs Racing 92
Lyon vs Bordeaux Begles
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Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
