Blues vs Highlanders
The Blues will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table when they take on the Highlanders. The visitor last beat the Blues back in 2021 but will fancy their chances as the home side have made a raft of changes. The Highlanders are playing their best rugby of the season, having won their last three matches. This included their first win over a fellow NZ side in almost four years when they beat the Crusaders. Much of their resurgence is down to the play of young flyhalf Cameron Millar who has taken control from the pivot position.
TIP: Despite the Blues leaving out some of their regulars like Captain Patrick Tuipulotu and Mark Telea there are still plenty of game breakers in the side. The biggest loss will however be Hoskins Sotutu who has lit the tournament up this season and is the leading try scorer. The Highlanders have kept the same team from the last match with Captain Billy Harmon still out with an injury. The bookies have the Blues as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.10, SoccerShop 1.10 and Bettabets 1.10
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Blues vs Highlanders
- The Blues have won the last seven matches between the sides.
- The last time the Highlanders beat the Blues was in 2021.
Latest results for both teams
The Blues beat the Hurricanes 31-27 in their last match while the Highlanders beat the Crusaders 32-29 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Highlanders only need a one win from their last two matches to secure their playoff position. They can lose both matches and still qualify but they will need other results to go their way. The Blues have their destiny in their own hands, with two wins making certain that they will finish top of the table. This will allow them to host the final if they make it that far. There are a number of interesting match ups but Timoci Tavatavanawai up against Caleb Clarke on the wing looks most appetizing. Both men are powerful ball carries but the Fijian is also among the leading players when it comes to winning turnovers. I am predicting a Blues win by 20 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Blues
15 Cole Forbes, 14 AJ Lam, 13 Bryce Heem, 12 Corey Evans, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Harry Plummer, 9 Sam Nock, 8 Akira Ioane, 7 Dalton Papali’i (c), 6 Adrian Choat, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Laghlan McWhannell, 3 Marcel Renata, 2 Kurt Eklund, 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Highlanders
15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13 Tanielu Tele’a, 12 Jake Te Hiwi, 11 Martín Bogado, 10 Cameron Millar, 9 Folau Fakatava, 8 Nikora Broughton, 7 Sean Withy, 6 Oliver Haig, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Mitch Dunshea, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Henry Bell, 1 Ethan de Groot (c)
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Blues victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 1.10
SoccerShop 1.10
Bettabets 1.10
Odds comparison on the Blues handicap:
The complete odds on the Blues handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (-16.5)
SoccerShop 1.87 (-16.5)
Bettabets 1.89 (-16.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Blues outright win therefore we suggest backing the home team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.90 (-16.5), SoccerShop 1.87 (-16.5) and Bettabets 1.89 (-16.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
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Zebre vs Scarlets
Bath vs Northampton
Saracens vs Sale Sharks
Harlequins vs Bristol
Gloucester vs Newcastle
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.
