Force vs Highlanders
The Force was very unlucky when they came within a conversion of upsetting the highly fancied Chiefs. They again showed that there is no team better than staying in the fight than them. They are a hard working team without any flash but they never give up and that tenacity almost saw them pull of the upset of the competition. The Highlanders were also fantastic against the Reds. The SR AU champions were thoroughly outplayed by the Highlanders and normally their next opponents will be scared of facing them. The Force is no ordinary team and the team spirit is amazing but the most pleasing aspect was the almost full house crowd that turned the stadium Blue. The electric atmosphere drove the home team and we can expect another bumper crowd this weekend. The Highlanders are the type of team who find it almost impossible to string two great performances consecutively. The Force has many experienced internationals in the team like Jeremy Thrush and Rob Kearney and their knowledge is certainly coming to the fore in the close games. The veteran I am most impressed by is Wallaby prop Greg Holmes who has been the rock of the Forces scrum. He was at it again against the Chiefs and dominated a very strong Chiefs scrum. The Highlanders always seem to blow hot and cold and I see this trend continuing while the Force are difficult to beat on their home patch, all this makes for a very tight game.
TIP: The Force started the season as rank outsiders in the SR AU but surprised all by making the playoffs and they seem to have carried that form into this competition. They will stick to their game plan which can be seen as boring but it’s what works for them. The Highlanders don’t travel well and the hostile reception in Perth won’t make it any easier. The lynch pin of the Highlanders team is undoubtedly Aaron Smith and if the Force can find a way to keep him quiet that will go a long way to helping them cause the upset. The bookies have the Force as huge underdogs and I feel this is the game where the underdog will upset the favourite. There are great odds on the upset victory. These are the best odds on the Force victory: Worldsportsbetting 4.50, Playabets 4.90 and Sunbet 4.00
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Force vs Highlanders
- The last six meetings between these teams, we have been seen each team winning three matches.
- The Highlanders have won the last three matches but prior to that the Force had won six in a row.
- The Force has lost their last two home matches to the Highlanders.
Latest results for both teams
The Force lost their last match 20-19 against the Chiefs while the Highlanders beat the Reds 40-19 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Force is repaying the faith CEO Tony Lewis has shown in the team. They have recruited international players and are reaping the rewards now. The Highlanders could come into this match being complacent as they easily beat the Australian champions in their first match. They must however remember that the Reds had a depleted team and must have still been in a hangover mood after the celebrations. The Argentinian number 9 Tomas Cubelli has been outstanding for the Force and always seems to make the right decision and he is a major reason for the upward curve for the Force. His direct dual with Aaron Smith will go a long way to deciding the outcome of the match. I think the Force playing in front of a full house will sneak a two point victory at the death
- Probable Starting XVs
Force
15 Rob Kearney, 14 Richard Kahui, 13 Kyle Godwin (captain), 12 Henry Taefu, 11 Jordan Olowofela, 10 Jake McIntyre, 9 Tomás Cubelli, 8 Brynard Stander, 7 Kane Koteka, 6 Tim Anstee, 5 Fergus Lee-Warner, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Santiago Medrano, 2 Feleti Kaitu’u, 1 Tom Robertson.
Highlanders
15 Sam Gilbert, 14 Palelei Tomkinson, 13 Michael Collins, 12 Scott Gregory, 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Mitch Hunt, 9 Aaron Smith (co-captain), 8 Kazuki Himeno, 7 Billy Harmon, 6 Hugh Renton, 5 Josh Dickson, 4 Pari Parkinson, 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Ash Dixon (co-captain), 1 Ayden Johnstone.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Force upset victory are as follows.
Worldsportsbetting 4.50
Playabets 4.90
Sunbet 4.00
Odds comparison on a Force handicap
The complete odds on the Exeter handicap victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting (+10.5) 1.90
Playabets (+10.5) 1.87
Sunbet (+10.5) 1.90
Predictions and Odds in details
The resurgence of the Force has left egg on the organizers of the now defunct Super Rugby. They were booted out at the expense of the Rebels and each passing week shows what a grave mistake that was. The Highlanders welcome back Shannon Frizell and his battle with the Force loose trio will be a sight to behold. The Force players don’t get the recognition they deserve and this is the perfect opportunity for them to test their growth against a very good Highlanders team. The desire and team spirit that the Force show will carry them over the line in what promises to be a very close match. For those punters that feel the Force are too much of a long shot then I suggest the safety bet of the Force on the handicap bet. The best odds on the Force handicap are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+10.5) 1.90, Playabets (+10.5) 1.87 and Sunbet (+10.5) 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.
