Rebels vs Highlanders
The Rebels lost 42-22 to the Hurricanes in their last match that effectively ended their playoff hopes. They will however play a major role in deciding if the Highlanders make the playoffs. The visitors were comfortably placed in the top eight but had a shock home loss to the Waratahs in their last match. They were still in eighth place after the loss but the Force have now won their match and leapfrogged them into eighth place. The Highlanders now need to win this match to secure a playoff position. They actually only need one point to reclaim the eighth spot so even a loss by seven points will be enough for them.
TIP: The Highlanders have been poor this season and it is mainly due to their attack that has lacked bite. They seemed to have fixed that problem after they moved Sam Gilbert to flyhalf but he was sent off in the last match so they have turned to Marty Banks in the pivot role. Aaron Smith needs to show the class that made him the best nine in world rugby as he has looked of his game. The bookies have the Highlanders as favourites but I am tipping the Rebels for the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 3.00, Playabets 2.90 and Sunbet 2.85
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Rebels vs Highlanders
- The Highlanders have won three of the last five matches between these teams.
- The Rebels have won two of the last three home matches against the Highlanders.
Latest results for both teams
The Rebels lost 45-22 to the Hurricanes in the last match while the Highlanders lost 32-20 against the Waratahs in their last match.
PREDICTION
In the period when the Highlanders won three matches in a row this season they went back to their traditional forwards based game plan and used their rolling maul to great effect. The Rebels have improved through the season as several of their injured players like Rob Leota and Pone Fa’amausili have returned. They are much stronger in the forwards as both these players are excellent ball carriers and always get them over the advantage line. The Rebels have given a first start to winger Lukas Ripley as he has been in superb form coming on as a replacement this season. I am predicting a Rebels win by 5 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Rebels
15 Reece Hodge, 14 Lukas Ripley, 13 Andrew Kellaway, 12 Matt To’omua, 11 Glen Vaihu, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 James Tuttle, 8 Rob Leota, 7 Brad Wilkin, 6 Michael Wells (c), 5 Josh Canham, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Pone Fa’amausili, 2 Jordan Uelese, 1 Matt Gibbon
Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 Cameron Orr, 18 Cabous Eloff, 19 Ross Haylett-Petty, 20 Richard Hardwick, 21 Joe Powell, 22 Nick Jooste, 23 George Worth
Highlanders
15 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 14 Scott Gregory, 13 Josh Timu, 12 Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 11 Rory Van Vugt, 10 Marty Banks, 9 Aaron Smith (cc), 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, 7 Billy Harmon, 6 James Lentjes (cc), 5 Josh Dickson, 4 Bryn Evans, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Ethan de Groot
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Rebels victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 3.00
Playabets 2.90
Sunbet 2.85
Odds comparison on the Rebels handicap :
The complete odds on the Rebels handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+5.5) 1.91
Sunbet (+5.5) 1.89
Playabets (+5.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
It will be interesting to see if the Rebels finally adopt a ball in hand approach as they have nothing to lose in their last match of a disappointing season. They have excellent speedy wingers but hardly sent the ball out wide and this will be an ideal match for them to experiment in. The Highlanders just need to win or lose by less than eight points to progress to the quarter finals. There are great odds on the Rebels upset win but if you looking for a safety bet I suggest the Rebels on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+5.5) 1.91, Sunbet (+5.5) 1.89 and Playabets (+5.5) 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.