Highlanders vs Reds
The Highlanders take on the Reds in their final home game of the season. This will be a farewell home match for Aaron Smith, and the Highlanders will be desperate to give him a winning send off. Both teams are chasing a playoff place with the Reds in 7th position on 23 points while the home team are in 9th spot with 19 points. The Highlanders kept their playoff hopes alive with a last gasp 20-17 win over the Rebels in their last match while the Reds lost 45-26 to the Blues at home.
TIP: Both teams have made several changes and will be hoping that the new players will be able to bring the much needed impetus in attack. The Highlanders will be hoping that the Smith/ Freddie Burns halfback combo can finally link up their dangerous backline that includes the likes of Jona Nareki and Jonah Lowe. The Reds have selected Tom Lynagh at flyhalf and will be hoping that the youngster can control the game. 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 1.47, Gbets 1.45 and Hollywoodbets 1.48
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Highlanders vs Reds
- The Highlanders have won the last five matches between the sides.
- The last time the Highlanders lost to the Reds at home was in 2013.
Latest results for both teams
The Highlanders beat the Rebels 20-17 in their last match while the Reds lost 45-26 to the Blues in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Highlanders will need to be more clinical in attack as they dropped numerous balls in dangerous attacking positions. The forwards pack did their job in the last match as they laid an excellent foundation for the backline players only for them to constantly lose possession. The Reds also had plenty of attacking opportunities and capitalized on most of those chances but it was their defence that was most at fault. They fell off badly in the second half as team looked tired after their heroics in the previous match against the Chiefs. The Highlanders will be desperate to put in their best performance for Smith therefore I predict a home win by 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Highlanders
15 Mitch Hunt, 14 Jonah Lowe, 13 Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 12 Sam Gilbert, 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Freddie Burns, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Hugh Renton, 7 Billy Harmon (c), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Max Hicks, 4 Pari Pari Parkinson, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Ethan de Groot
Reds
15 Jock Campbell, 14 Suliasi Vunivalu, 13 Josh Flook, 12 James O’Connor, 11 Mac Grealy, 10 Tom Lynagh, 9 Tate McDermott (cc), 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Liam Wright (cc), 5 Connor Vest, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Zane Nonggorr, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Peni Ravai
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Brumbies victory are as follows:
Betway 1.47
Gbets 1.45
Hollywoodbets 1.48
Odds comparison on the Highlanders handicap:
The complete odds on the Highlanders handicap:
Betway 1.90 (-6.5)
Gbets 1.87 (-6.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-6.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are decent 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 (-6.5), Gbets 1.87 (-6.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-6.5)
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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.
