Chiefs vs Highlanders Betting Tips, Preview & Odds – Highlanders to cover handicap in Hamilton

The Chiefs take on the Highlanders at the FMG Stadium in Super Rugby Aotearoa on Sunday. The two sides have struggled in the competition so far, but the Highlanders have already beaten the Chiefs this season.

The Chiefs went down in their opening fixture of Super Rugby Aotearoa away to the Highlanders 28-27. They followed that result up with 24-12 defeat at the Blues. In their third fixture, the Chiefs lost 18-13 away at the Crusaders.

In their last game, the Chiefs were defeated 25-18 by the Hurricanes at home. The Hurricanes flew into a 20-3 lead, but were reduced to 14 men. The Chiefs tried to fight back, but it was ultimately not to be once again.

The Chiefs have had a bye last weekend so their squad should be fit and well-rested.

The Highlanders have managed just one win in their opening four fixtures of Super Rugby Aotearoa. That win came in the first round over the Chiefs in Dunedin. A last-minute drop goal sealed the win.

Since that victory, the Highlanders have fallen apart, losing 27-24 away to the Blues and then being humbled 40-20 by a rampant Crusaders at home.

In their previous fixture, the Highlanders travelled to the Hurricanes and lost 17-11. The home side were 17-0 up early in horrendous conditions. The Highlanders showed some fight, but the game was out of reach.

The Highlanders have a few injury concerns with lock Josh Dickson sidelined for the remainder of the tournament. Winger Nehe Milner-Skudder remains out as well. Fly-half Josh Ioane is expected to make his return to the squad.

The Highlanders hold an 11-9 advantage over the Chiefs with one draw in their last 21 meetings.

The last time the sides met was on the opening weekend of Super Rugby Aotearoa. The Highlanders won that match 28-27 in Dunedin.

The Chiefs are available at 1.53 to win the fixture, while the Highlanders are priced at 2.55. The draw pays 23.00.

The handicap is set at 5 points and pays 1.91 both ways.

Super Rugby Aotearoa has not been kind to either side so far. Tries are hard to come by for both sides - and that is starting to become a real concern. Both sides are known for their attacking talent, but things have not clicked, so this could well be a battle of the boots.