Highlanders vs Waratahs
The Highlanders welcome the Waratahs to Dunedin in this Super Rugby match. The home team had a great win in their last match while the Waratahs lost to the Hurricanes. Both these teams enjoy throwing the ball around so the match should be an entertaining affair.The Highlanders landed a master stroke in the last match when they moved Sam Gilbert to the flyhalf position and he was brilliant in both attack and defence. They will be hoping that he can continue his great form into this match.
TIP: The Highlanders and the Waratahs are only separated by one spot on the log but the Waratahs are on 33 points while the Highlanders are only on 22 points. The visitors will welcome back Wallaby skipper Michael Hooper but have lost the services of Izaiah Perese whi got injured in the last match. Both teams are very evenly matched in the forwards so it should be a close match. The bookies have the Highlanders as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.30, Playabets 1.33 and Sunbet 1.28
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Highlanders vs Waratahs
- The Highlanders have won three of the last five matches between these sides.
- The home team have won the last five matches between these sides.
- The Highlanders have never lost to the Waratahs at home,
Latest results for both teams
The Highlanders beat the Force 61-10 in their last match while the Waratahs lost 22-18 to the Hurricanes.
PREDICTION
The Highlanders occupy the last of the playoff positions and will be keen to win this match and cement their place in the knockout stage. The home team have arguably the two best scrumhalves in NZ with Aaron Smith and Folau Fakatava and they are both great attacking players. They control the game superbly but the Waratahs skipper Jake Gordon will want to prove he is the best attacking nine in the competition. The Waratahs have been a different side this season and that is in the main due to Hooper’s return and they will again look to him to provide leadership. I am predicting a home win by more than 10 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Highlanders
15 Connor Garden-Bachop, 14 Denny Solomona, 13 Josh Timu, 12 Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 11 Scott Gregory, 10 Sam Gilbert, 9 Aaron Smith (cc), 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, 7 Billy Harmon, 6 James Lentjes (cc), 5 Josh Dickson, 4 Sam Caird, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
Waratahs
15 Ben Donaldson, 14 Mark Nawaqanitawase, 13 Alex Newsome, 12 Lalakai Foketi, 11 Dylan Pietsch, 10 Tane Edmed, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Will Harris, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Langi Gleeson, 5 Hugh Sinclair, 4 Geoff Cridge, 3 Archer Holz, 2 Dave Porecki, 1 Te Tera Faulkner
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Highlanders victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.30
Playabets 1.33
Sunbet 1.28
Odds comparison on the Highlanders handicap :
The complete odds on the Highlanders handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-9.5) 1.91
Sunbet (-9.5) 1.89
Playabets (-9.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
Both teams have been using their lineout as a great attacking weapon and have scored a lot of their tries through this avenue. The team that can gain dominance in the forwards will win this match and the bench will be very important. The Highlanders have the stronger bench therefore they will win this match. There are poor odds on the home team for the win therefore I suggest them on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-9.5) 1.91, Sunbet (-9.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-9.5) 1.81
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.
