Highlanders vs Chiefs Predictions - Highlanders backed to get close against table leaders

Simon Lewis

Editor

Last updated: 28 May 2025

Share

Simon Lewis 28 May 2025

Share this article

Chiefs favored, with a 12.5 point margin.
Highlanders have shown resilience, losing closely.
Chiefs top the table; Highlanders in last place.

Expired

Chiefs have won their last 6 matches against the Highlanders.(Getty Images)

Highlanders vs Chiefs Predictions

The Chiefs are big favourites with the handicap set at 12.5 points. However, based on last week’s impressive display, I fancy the Highlanders to get within that margin.

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

Highlanders have lost 9 of their last 10 matches.
Chiefs have won 10 of their last 13 matches.
Chiefs have won their last 6 matches against the Highlanders.
Chiefs beat the Highlanders by 36 points earlier this season.

Head to Head

The Chiefs have won their last six matches against the Highlanders. Earlier this season, the Chiefs ran out 46-10 winners on home soil.

Highlanders Form

The Highlanders come into this final match of the season in last place on the table. They have won just three of their 13 games thus far and sit on 20 points.

The Dunedin outfit started the season well, losing their opener by one point before winning in rounds two and three. However, since then they have only achieved one victory.

That is not to say the Highlanders have been easy beats either, they have run some top teams very close in 2025, unfortunately the results just have not swung their way. Last weekend is a case in point as the Highlanders went down 15-12 to the Crusaders.

Highlanders Injuries & Team News

This is the Highlanders final game of the season, so expect a strong side to feature.

Chiefs Form

The Chiefs have been superb this season despite one or two blips along the way. They come into this game at the top of the table by one point. A victory is all they need to secure top spot.

With a points difference of 214, the Chiefs have no need to even push for a bonus point on Friday, victory alone will be enough. While the Hamilton-based outfit has lost three away fixtures this season, they did win their last game on the road against the Crusaders.

Last week, the Chiefs ran riot at home, thrashing Moana 85-7. That victory took their points difference well ahead of their competitors.

Chiefs Injuries & Team News

The Chiefs will want to secure top spot but may rest a couple key players with the knockouts starting next weekend.

Verdict

Highlanders v Chiefs

I am backing the Highlanders to cover the +12.5 handicap against the Chiefs in Dunedin.

Highlanders +12.5

Handicap

@-109.89 - 3 Units

Up to R3,000 + 300 Spins

3 Deposit Bonuses

Earn up to R3,000 in bonus funds PLUS 300 Free Spins, on your first three deposits. To get started, register and make a First Deposit *Min R10 and get 100% free up to R1,000 plus 100 free slot spins. | T&Cs apply.

Bet at Sportingbet SA