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Highlanders vs Blues Predictions - Blues backed for comfortable win against Highlanders

Marc Thomas

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Last updated: 27 Feb 2024

Marc Thomas 27 Feb 2024

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Predictions for Highlanders vs Blues in Super Rugby on Friday
Visitors have won 9 of their last 10 against the hosts
Can the Highlanders get back-to-back wins?

Expired

Blues backed for convincing win (Getty Images)

Highlanders vs Blues Preview

The Blues looked very strong last weekend, especially on defence. The Highlanders also had to keep out a spirited Moana outfit, so both sides got their season off to bonus point winning starts.

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

This week is a different challenge though and I fancy the Blues to cover the -13 handicap.

Highlanders have lost their last 16 matches against New Zealand opposition by an average of 16 points.
Blues have won 9 of their last 10 matches against the Highlanders.
Blues’ Caleb Clarke scored 1 try in his last match.

Head to Head

Blues have won nine of their last 10 matches against the Highlanders.

Highlanders Form

The Highlanders got their season off to a good start last weekend, beating Moana Pasifika 34-10 at home.

While Moana have been the weakest team in the competition in the last two years, the Highlanders could only play what was in front of them. They did what they had to, including pick up a try-scoring bonus point.

What will be concerning for the Highlanders is that while their individual talents made Moana pay for mistakes, the visitors had the best part of much of the game, including possession.

Highlanders Injuries & Team News

There will certainly be a few changes to the Highlanders side. There may be one or two injury enforced ones as well as some rotation early in the season.

Blues Form

The Blues got their season underway with a fantastic 34-10 home win over Fijian Drua. The bonus point for outscoring the Drua by five tries was impressive considering the way Drua play the game.

Defensively the Blues were superb and forced the visitors into plenty of errors. Fijian Drua through everything they had at the Blues, and despite the hosts scoring six tries, their defensive effort was by far the most impressive part of the game.

Mark Telea failed to get his season underway with a try, but Caleb Clarke managed to get one while Zarn Sullivan and Hoskin Sotutu both managed a brace.

Blues Injuries & Team News

After a bonus point win last time out, the Blues will see this as a crucial away game. They will sense an opportunity for the win, so they should be at full strength.

Verdict

Highlanders v Blues

I am backing the Blues to cover the -13 handicap in this fixture.

Blues -13

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