Highlanders vs Rebels
The Highlanders take on the Rebels in this Super Rugby encounter. The home team will be looking to bounce back from their 48-32 loss to the Brumbies while the visitors will also be looking for a much improved showing after losing to the Waratahs last time out. Both teams are outside of the playoff places by three points and will need to win their remaining matches to have any chance of a top eight finish. The Highlanders will be kicking themselves for letting their lead in the last match evaporate as they crumbled in the last ten minutes of the match.
TIP: The home side welcome back their talisman Aaron Smith after he missed the last match and he will no doubt bring loads of energy to his teams attack. The Rebels have suffered a major setback when star flyhalf Carter Gordon was injured in the last match. His flair in attack will be sorely missed with Reece Hodge moving into the pivot position. It remains to be seen if he can link up the Rebels backline. The bookies have the Highlanders as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.30, Gbets 1.31 and Hollywoodbets 1.30
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Highlanders vs Rebels
- The Rebels have won three of the last four matches against the Highlanders.
- The Highlanders have only lost one of their previous six home matches against the Rebels.
Latest results for both teams
The Highlanders lost 48-32 to the Brumbies in their last match while the Rebels lost 38-20 to the Waratahs in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Highlanders have been decimated with injuries this season but the return of key man Jona Nareki has already improved their attack tenfold. His is the one player that genuinely has X factor and the Rebels will need to watch him closely. The visitors have shown they can be competitive against the best up until halftime but they have fallen off badly in the second half of matches. The Highlanders will have taken note of this and have a extremely strong bench to capitalize on this. I am predicting a Highlanders win by more than 12 points as their bench strength will be the deciding factor.
Probable Starting XVs
Highlanders
15 Connor Garden-Bachop, 14 Jonah Lowe, 13 Fetuli Paea, 12 Sam Gilbert, 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Freddie Burns, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Hugh Renton, 7 Billy Harmon (c), 6 Sean Withy, 5 Max Hicks, 4 Shannon Frizell, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Ethan de Groot
Rebels
15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Lachlan Anderson, 13 Lukas Ripley, 12 Stacey Ili, 11 Monty Ioane, 10 Reece Hodge, 9 Ryan Louwrens, 8 Richard Hardwick, 7 Brad Wilkin (c), 6 Vaiolini Ekuasi, 5 Matt Philip, 4 Josh Canham, 3 Sam Talakai, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 Matt Gibbon
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Highlanders victory are as follows:
Betway 1.30
Gbets 1.31
Hollywoodbets 1.30
Odds comparison on the Highlanders handicap:
The complete odds on the Highlanders handicap:
Betway 1.90 (-9.5)
Gbets 1.87 (-9.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-9.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Highlanders 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 (-9.5), Gbets 1.87 (-9.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-9.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
WP vs Pumas
Sharks vs Cheetahs
Force vs Brumbies
Griffons vs Griquas
Lions vs Bulls
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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.
