Chiefs vs Highlanders
Both teams will be playing their first match in Super Rugby Pacific and there will be fireworks from the first whistle. The Chiefs have a lot to prove after failing to win any of the last five matches against the Highlanders. Both teams have lost their All Black flyhalves, with the hosts losing Damian Mckenzie and the visitors Josh Ioane. The loss of Mckenzie will hurt the Chiefs more as he almost singlehandedly won them matches last season. In an interesting twist Ioane will be playing for the Chiefs against his former team.
TIP: The Chiefs will be delighted to see All Blacks captain Sam Cane back after a year out with injury and they also have former World Player of the Year Brodie Retalick back after his year playing in Japan. The addition of Ioane will be the biggest talking point and will he be able to emulate the feats of Mckenzie. The Highlanders will their star centre Fetuli Paea back after injury and a lot is expected of him. The bookies have the Chiefs as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.44, Playabets 1.43 and Sunbet 1.43
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Chiefs vs Highlanders
- The Highlanders have won three of the last five matches between these sides with two draws.
- Chiefs have lost four of their last five home matches against the Highlanders.
- Chiefs last won at home against the Highlanders in 2018.
Latest results for both teams
This is the first match of the new season.
PREDICTION
The main player for the Chiefs as usual will be Aaron Smith and if he is allowed to dictate play in this match then the Chiefs will struggle to win. The Chiefs will look to play their high tempo game and Ioane will be central to this. If the Chiefs forwards can lay the platform for the backs then the Chiefs will start the season of with a win. The Highlanders also rely on their rolling maul but if the home team defend the maul well then they will win. I predict the home team to win by 8 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Chiefs
15 Emoni Narawa, 14 Shaun Stevenson, 13 Alex Nankivell, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Jonah Lowe, 10 Josh Ioane, 9 Xavier Roe, 8 Pita Gus Sowakula, 7 Sam Cane (cc), 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Laghlan McWhannell, 3 Sione Mafileo, 2 Bradley Slater, 1 Ollie Norris
Highlanders
15 Sam Gilbert,14 Mosese Dawai,13 Fetuli Paea,12 Scott Gregory,11 Josh Timu,10 Mitch Hunt,9 Aaron Smith(C),8 Gareth Evans,7 James Lentjes, 6 Shannon Frizell,5 Josh Dickson,4 Manaaki Selby-Rickit,3 Jermaine Ainsley,2 Liam Coltman,1 Ethan de Groot
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Chiefs victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.44
Playabets 1.43
Sunbet 1.43
Odds comparison on the Chiefs handicap :
The complete odds on the Chiefs handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-6.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-6.5) 1.82
Playabets (-6.5) 1.90
Predictions and Odds in details
Starting the season of with a win will be crucial for the Chiefs because a loss at home will make it difficult later in the season to qualify for the knockout stages. The Highlanders will hope that they can continue their dominance over the Chiefs. There are decent odds on the Chiefs win but we suggest the home team on the handicap for better returns. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-6.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-6.5) 1.82 and Playabets (-6.5) 1.90
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.
