Highlanders vs Hurricanes Predictions - Highlanders backed to get close against Hurricanes

I am backing the hosts to get within the +9 handicap.

Hurricanes have won 11 of their last 13 matches against the Highlanders, including the last five in a row.

The Highlanders are vastly improved from 2023 and have made a decent start to this season. They are sixth on the table with two wins and three defeats.

The two wins the Dunedin-based outfit have achieved this season was at home to Moana and a two-point success in Sydney against the Waratahs. However, they have been competitive in their three defeats, losing by no more than eight points.

Since beating the Tahs’ the Highlanders have lost 27-21 at home to the Brumbies and last week went down 28-21 away to the Chiefs.

(1-15): Ethan de Groot, Henry Bell, Saula Ma'u, Fabian Holland, Max Hicks, Sean Withy, Billy Harmon (c) Tom Sanders, Folau Fakatava, Rhys Patchell, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Tanielu Tele'a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Subs: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Rohan Wingham, Oliver Haig, Nikora Broughton, James Arscott, Ajay Faleafaga, Josh Timu

The Hurricanes have made a superb start to the season and are the only unbeaten side remaining. They have won all five matches, picking up two bonus points along the way.

After thrashing the Force in round one, the Canes beat the Reds 38-33. It was followed by a 29-21 home success against the Blues before beating the Crusaders 14-10 in Christchurch.

Last week the Canes were in rampant form once again, winning 54-28 at home against the Rebels. They will be slightly concerned that they conceded 28 points on home soil, but it hasn’t been a trend this season.

(1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Cam Roigard, Brett Cameron, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Ruben Love

Subs: James O'Reilly, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Du'Plessis Kirifi, TJ Perenara, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Ngane Punivai