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Chiefs vs Highlanders Predictions & Tips - Away victory holds the value in Super Rugby Aotearoa clash

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 04 Mar 2021

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Ralph Staniforth 04 Mar 2021

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Chiefs vs Highlanders predictions for Friday’s Super Rugby Aotearoa clash
Match is being played at 08:05 SAST at the FMG Stadium in Waikato
The Highlanders have beaten the Chiefs in last 2 meetings
I am tipping the Highlanders to win by 12 or less points
Betting tips, predictions and team news for Chiefs vs Highlanders

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Chiefs vs Highlanders Predictions

The Chiefs were extremely poor in 2020, losing all of their Super Rugby Aotearoa fixtures. While they are tipped to improve in 2021, the Highlanders should prove too strong in what is the Chiefs' opening game of the season.

Chiefs have lost their last 8 Super Rugby Aotearoa matches.
Chiefs had the worst attack (14 tries) in the 2020 Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Highlanders have won their last 2 matches against the Chiefs by 1 & 2 points.

Head to Head

The Highlanders have a 12-9 advantage over the Chiefs in their last 22 meetings. There was one draw during that period.

During the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign, the Highlanders won both encounters with the Chiefs. Their last clash ended 33-31 to the visiting Highlanders.

Chiefs Form

The Chiefs will be looking to bounce back after having a torrid time of it in 2020. Warren Gatland has retained his position as head coach and will surely want to show early improvement.

The Waikato-based outfit had a bye in week one of Super Rugby Aotearoa so this will be their first fixture. In 2020, they last all eight matches to finish bottom of the table.

That position belies the quality they possess in terms of personal, so this season is unlikely to follow the same pattern.

Gatland’s first priority during the off season would have been to sort out the Chiefs attack. Normally one of the best in Super Rugby, they only managed 155 points and 14 tries in their eight matches. To put that in perspective, it was nine tries less that the next lowest.

Chiefs Injuries & Team News

The Chiefs have made a few signings during the off season. Flyhalf, Bryn Gatland has joined from the Highlanders while utility backs, Chase Tiatia and Jonah Lowe have also come in.

The usual stalwarts are still at the Chiefs. Sam Cane and Damian McKenzie will be crucial to the Chiefs once again this season. There are plenty of internationals within the Chiefs squads so expect them to be competitive this season.

Highlanders Form

The Highlanders had an inconsistent 2020 which led them to a fifth place finish. Two of their three victories however came against the Chiefs last season.

Last weekend, the Highlanders got their 2021 season off to a losing start, going down 26-13 at home to the Crusaders. Defeat to the champions was expected but for large periods the Highlanders will feel that they could have caused an upset.

Handling errors cost them as well as their poor decision making. Should the goal kicking opportunities arise this week, surely the Highlanders will take the points on offer.

Highlanders Injuries & Team News

The Highlanders won’t be looking to change things up too much after just one week.

Liam Squire could however come into the second-row to add some quality and a lineout option.

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Verdict

Chiefs v Highlanders

The Chiefs were beaten in all eight of their 2020 Super Rugby Aotearoa fixtures, including both clashes with the Highlanders by one and two points. I'm tipping the Highlanders to win by a margin of 12 or less.

Highlanders Win

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@6/5 - 3 Units

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