Chiefs vs Highlanders Predictions - Highlanders to stay close against Chiefs

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 18 Apr 2025

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Simon Lewis 18 Apr 2025

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Chiefs positioned second in Super Rugby with a strong home record.
Highlanders aim to break a series of tight losses, expected to stay within a 15.5-point spread.
Lineup and past performances suggest Highlanders could challenge Chiefs.

Expired

Chiefs have won their last 5 matches against the Highlanders.(Getty Images)

Chiefs vs Highlanders Predictions

While the Highlanders have not been in the best of form results wise, their performances have not been poor. Despite losing four of their last five, they have lost by nine or less points in each of those games. I’m backing the visitors to get inside 15.5 points.

Chiefs vs Highlanders Predictions
Head to Head
Chiefs Form
Chiefs Injuries & Team News
Highlanders Form
Highlanders Injuries & Team News

Chiefs have won 6 of their last 8 matches.
Chiefs have won their last 4 home matches.
Chiefs have won their last 5 matches against the Highlanders.
Highlanders have lost 6 of their last 7 away matches.

Head to Head

Chiefs have won their last five matches against the Highlanders in Super Rugby.

Chiefs Form

The Chiefs come into round 10 of Super Rugby placed second on the table with six wins and two defeats in eight games. They are one point off the Crusaders at the top.

Both of the Chiefs defeats this season – to Fijian Drua and Waratahs – have been away from home. They are unbeaten on home soil.

Since losing to the Drua, the Chiefs beat the Blues by a point at home, defeated Moana away and beat the Reds 27-15 at home. Last week, the Chiefs suffered a 21-14 loss to the Waratahs in Sydney.

Chiefs Injuries & Team News

15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Daniel Rona, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Xavier Roe, 8 Luke Jacobson (captain), 7 Jahrome Brown, 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 3 George Dyer, 2 Brodie McAlister, 1 Aidan Ross.

Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Jared Proffit, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Kaylum Boshier, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown.

Highlanders Form

The Highlanders have won three and lost five of their eight games. They are placed seventh on the table but will need a few more results to secure a playoff berth come the end of the season.

The Dunedin-based outfit won two of their opening three games but have lost four of their last five since. They broke a four-match losing streak last weekend, beating Fijian Drua 43-20 at home.

Highlanders Injuries & Team News

15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Taniela Filimone, 13 Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-captain), 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Cameron Millar, 9 Folau Fakatava, 8 Hugh Renton (co-captain), 7 Veveni Lasaqa, 6 Oliver Haig, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Sosefo Kautai, 2 Henry Bell, 1 Ethan de Groot.

Replacements: 16 Soane Vikena, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Saula Ma’u, 19 Te Kamaka Howden, 20 Will Stodart, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Sam Gilbert, 23 Jonah Lowe.

Verdict

Chiefs v Highlanders

Highlanders are backed to get within the 15.5 handicap.

Highlanders +15.5

Handicap

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