Blues vs Highlanders Predictions & Tips - Blues to win tight affair in Auckland

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 12 Mar 2021

Ralph Staniforth 12 Mar 2021

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Blues vs Highlanders predictions for Sunday’s Super Rugby Aotearoa game
Fixture is being played at 04:35 SAST at Eden Park in Auckland
Blues have won their last 2 games against the Highlanders by less than 12 points
I'm backing the Blues to win by 12 or less points
Betting tips, predictions and team news for Blues vs Highlanders

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Blues vs Highlanders Predictions

The Blues face a tough task when they meet the Highlanders, but I'm tipping them to win by no more than 12 points in what is expected to be a bruising encounter.

Blues have won their last 4 home matches.
Blues have won their last 2 matches by 11 & 3 points against the Highlanders.
Blues have won 3 of their last 5 home matches against the Highlanders by less than 7 points.
Highlanders have not won back-to-back Super Rugby matches since 2019.

Head to Head

The Highlanders have tasted victory in seven of their last 11 meetings with the Blues.

However, the Blues have won the last two encounters between the sides. The Blues won their last match 32-21 during the 2020 Super Rugby Aotearoa competition.

Blues Form

The Blues will be looking to continue the momentum they built up on the opening weekend after having a bye last time out.

In the opening round, the Blues were impressive in their 31-16 victory over the Hurricanes. The first half saw the Blues struggle for continuity but they came alive in the second stanza.

The Blues outscored the Hurricanes by four tries to two and carried the ball more than 200 meters more than their opponents. The Auckland-based outfit will continue this ball in hand approach on Sunday and they’ll hope the high tempo unsettles their visitors.

Blues Injuries & Team News

The Blues had a bye last week so players with niggles have had two weeks to recover. They should be at full strength for this encounter.

Tom Robinson could come in at flank after impressing off the bench on the opening weekend.

Highlanders Form

The Highlanders have shown improvement since last season and will be no pushover in Auckland. They were impressive against the Crusaders in an opening weekend 26-13 home defeat where they missed numerous scoring opportunities.

Last week the Highlanders came back from 20-6 down at the break to beat the Chiefs 39-23. It was an incredible second half performance where the Highlanders ran in five tries.

The Highlanders did concede 10 turnovers against the Chiefs which will be a huge concern. A repeat of that this weekend will almost certainly lead to a big defeat, given the Blues quality off turnover possession.

Highlanders Injuries & Team News

The Highlanders have no reported injuries but after two grueling weeks will likely look to make changes.

New Zealand international, Liam Squire has spent the last two matches warming the bench. He should be back to start in the second-row.

Aaron Smith will almost certainly come in for Folau Fakatava at scrumhalf.

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Verdict

Blues v Highlanders

The Blues have beaten the Highlanders by less than 12 points in their last two meetings. My tip for this match is for the Blues to do exactly that again.

Blues Win by 1-12

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