Highlanders vs Chiefs Predictions - Chiefs to win on the road

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 1 minute ago

Ralph Staniforth 1 minute ago

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Chiefs favored to cover the -9.5 handicap against Highlanders.
Highlanders recently beat Crusaders, breaking their poor home streak.
Chiefs boast a strong head-to-head record and solid recent form.

Chiefs set for away win over Highlanders (Getty Images)

Highlanders vs Chiefs Predictions

The Chiefs are favourites to win at the Highlanders with an impressive head-to-head win record. My best bet is the Chiefs to cover the -9.5 handicap.

Highlanders vs Chiefs Predictions
Head to Head
Highlanders Form
Highlanders Starting Lineup
Chiefs Form
Chiefs Starting Lineup

Highlanders have lost 3 of their last 5 home matches.
Highlanders have lost their last 5 meetings against the Chiefs.
Chiefs come into this match off the back of a 19-15 away win at the Blues.
Chiefs have won 3 of their last 5 away matches.

Head to Head

Highlanders have lost their last five meetings against the Chiefs.

Highlanders Form

Highlanders were out of form at home towards the end of the 2025 season, losing three of their last four home matches in all competitions. They come into this match on the back of a 25-23 win against the Crusaders in the 2026 season opener.

Their previous home results include a win against the Fijian Drua (43-20), followed by losses against the Crusaders (42-10), Moana Pasifika (34-29), and the Chiefs (41-24).

Highlanders are currently fifth in Super Rugby with four points after one match. They finished the 2025 season in 10th position with 20 points after 14 matches.

Highlanders Starting Lineup

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jona Nareki, Jonah Lowe, Cameron Millar, Folau Fakatava, Lucas Casey, Sean Withy, Te Kamaka Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Oliver Haig, Rohan Wingham, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot.

Replacements: Henry Bell, Josh Bartlett, Sosefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Veveni Lasaqa, Adam Lennox, Reesjan Pasitoa, Tanielu Tele'a.

Chiefs Form

The Chiefs experienced a mixed run of form on the road towards the end of the 2025 season, winning two of their last four matches in all competitions. They come into this match on the back of a 19-15 win at the Blues in the 2026 season opener.

Their previous away results include a loss at the Hurricanes (35-17), followed by wins at the Crusaders (35-19) and the Highlanders (41-24), and a loss at the Crusaders (16-12).

The Chiefs are currently fourth in Super Rugby, with four points after 1 match. They finished the 2025 season in first position with 51 points after 14 matches.

Chiefs Starting Lineup

Etene Nanai-Seturo, Kyren Taumoefolau, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Josh Jacomb, Xavier Roe, Luke Jacobson, Jahrome Brown, Kaylum Boshier, Tupou Vaa'i, Josh Lord, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Jared Proffit.

Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Benet Kumeroa, Reuben O'Neill, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Tepaea Cook-Savage, Emoni Narawa

Verdict

Highlanders v Chiefs

The Highlanders were very good at home last weekend, but the Chiefs are a different class. While it will be competitive, in the end, I fancy the Chiefs to cover -9.5.

Chiefs -9.5

Handicap

@1.91 - 4 Units

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