Highlanders vs Hurricanes
The Highlanders welcome the Hurricanes to the Forsyth Barr Stadium for this Super Rugby encounter. The home team have bounced back from losing their opening three matches and have won their last three. The visitors have no such problems as they have won five of their six matches and sit in second position on the table behind the Chiefs. The Highlanders deserve immense credit for their recent showings as they have more than 11 first team players on the injury list. The Hurricanes have been playing an exciting brand of rugby that involves the forwards and backs playing together seamlessly.
TIP: The home side will be missing their talismatic leader Aaron Smith who is unavailable due to family commitments but they do have a ready-made replacement in Folau Fakatava. This will be an ideal opportunity for the little scrummie to stake his claim for a World Cup spot. His battle with opposite number Cam Roigard promises to be one the highlights of the match. The bookies have the Hurricanes as favourites but I’m backing the Highlanders for the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 3.50, Gbets 3.45 and Hollywoodbets 3.48
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Highlanders vs Hurricanes
- The Hurricanes have won the last four matches against the Highlanders.
- The last time the Highlanders beat the Hurricanes was back in 2020.
Latest results for both teams
The Highlanders beat Moana Pasifika 45-17 in their last match while the Hurricanes beat the Force 45-42 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Highlanders forwards pack will be boosted by the return of fitness of Shannon Frizell and Pari Pari Parkinson. They will provide that much needed grunt that will be needed against a Hurricanes pack that have been superb this season. The visitors received a massive boost with the return of skipper Ardie Savea from his rest week. The number eight was sorely missed in the last match especially in defence as his team shipped 42 points against the Force. The Highlanders will have noticed that the Hurricanes were vulnerable when the Force ran at them, so expect a ball in hand approach from the home team. I am predicting an upset home win by three points.
Probable Starting XVs
Highlanders
15 Sam Gilbert, 14 Mosese Dawai, 13 Fetuli Paea, 12 Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 11 Jonah Lowe, 10 Mitch Hunt, 9 Folau Fakatava, 8 Hugh Renton, 7 Billy Harmon (c), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Josh Dickson, 4 Pari Pari Parkinson, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Ethan de Groot
Hurricanes
15 Josh Moorby, 14 Julian Savea, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Salesi Rayasi, 10 Aidan Morgan, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (c), 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Brayden Iose, 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Xavier Numia
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Highlanders victory are as follows:
Betway 3.50
Gbets 3.45
Hollywoodbets 3.48
Odds comparison on the Highlanders handicap:
The complete odds on the Highlanders handicap:
Betway 1.90 (+7.5)
Gbets 1.90 (+7.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+7.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are great odds on the Highlanders upset win but if you looking for a safer bet then we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (+7.5), Gbets 1.90 (+7.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+7.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Bulls vs Griquas
Sharks vs Pumas
Crusaders vs Moana Pasifika
Western Province vs Griffons
Rebels vs Blues
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.
