Highlanders vs Moana Predictions - Highlanders backed to cover against Moana

Marc Thomas

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Last updated: 22 Feb 2024

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Marc Thomas 22 Feb 2024

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Predictions for Highlanders vs Moana in Super Rugby on Saturday
Moana lost 13 of their 14 games in 2023
Can the Highlanders get a bonus point win to start?

Expired

Highlanders backed to get off to a winning start (Getty Images)

Highlanders vs Moana Preview

This is a tough one to call with the Highlanders obvious favourites at home. The 12-point handicap is, however, an iffy one considering how early it is in the season. Moana will be fresh and up for the challenge, unlike last season when they came into this fixture with tired legs.

Highlanders vs Moana Preview
Head to Head
Highlanders Form
Highlanders Injuries & Team News
Moana Form
Moana Injuries & Team News

I am leaning towards the Highlanders to just cover the handicap.

Highlanders won 2 of their last 3 matches in 2023.
Highlanders beat Moana by 28 points last season.
Moana lost 13 of their 14 matches last season.

Head to Head

The Highlanders beat Moana 45-17 away from home last season.

Highlanders Form

The Highlanders have been disappointing over the last few seasons and were the only New Zealand side not to make the quarter-finals in 2023.

They finished 9th on the table with five wins from their 14 games. It was actually not a bad finish considering that they hardly managed a point in the first half of the season.

The Otago side will want to start this season like they ended last, with a run of good results. They have a great chance to start with a win against a Moana side that only won once last time out.

Highlanders Injuries & Team News

Of all the New Zealand sides, the Highlanders have by far the least international players. That is not to say they are not littered with quality and players on the fringe of a national call-up.

Moana Form

Moana have struggled in their two Super Rugby seasons, but there will be hope of better to come in their third.

In 2023, Moana won just once in 14 games and ended the season on a paltry eight points. They were 13 points off the side above them.

That is not to say that Moana have not put in some very impressive performances over the course of the two years. They have troubled some top sides regularly but doing it consistently has proved a challenge.

Moana Injuries & Team News

Moana have retained the services of veteran flyhalf/centre, Christian Lealiifano. Julian Savea is also still in their squad so they should have the experience to find a way to get some results.

Verdict

Highlanders v Moana Pasifika

I am backing the Highlanders to win by more than 12 points in this game.

Highlanders -12

Handicap

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