Highlanders vs Moana Pasifika Predictions - Highlanders to keep playoff hopes alive

Simon Lewis

Editor

Last updated: 02 May 2025

Add to Calendar

Simon Lewis 02 May 2025

Share this article

Highlanders have lost 6 of their last 7 matches.
Moana Pasifika won their last match but struggle away.
Highlanders need a win to keep playoff hopes alive.

Highlanders vs Moana Pasifika Super Rugby

Highlanders have lost 6 of their last 7 matches. (Getty Images)

Highlanders vs Moana Pasifika Predictions

The Highlanders are not playing well at the moment, but Moana have struggled away from home consistently. Earlier this season, the Highlanders secured a two-point victory. At home, I expect the hosts to cover the -4.5 handicap.

Highlanders vs Moana Pasifika Predictions
Head to Head
Highlanders Form
Highlanders Injuries & Team News
Moana Pasifika Form
Moana Pasifika Injuries & Team News

Highlanders have lost 6 of their last 7 matches.
Highlanders lost their last home game by 33 points.
Moana Pasifika won their last match.
Moana Pasifika have lost 8 of their last 9 away matches.

Head to Head

Highlanders have won all five previous encounters against Moana. Earlier this season, the Highlanders beat Moana 31-29 in a very tense encounter.

Highlanders Form

The Highlanders have only managed three wins from 10 games to date. Time is fast running out for the Dunedin side who are three points off Moana in eighth place.

This is simply a must-win game for the Highlanders to keep any hopes of a playoff alive. Only three games remain after this, and they are all against the best performing New Zealand sides.

Six of the last seven games have ended in defeat for the Highlanders. Their only win in that span came at home against Fijian Drua. Last week, the Highlanders were humiliated at home, going down 43-10 to the Crusaders.

Highlanders Injuries & Team News

15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Sam Gilbert, 13 Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 11 Jonah Lowe, 10 Cameron Millar, 9 Nathan Hastie, 8 Hugh Renton, 7 Sean Withy, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 5 Oliver Haig, 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Saula Ma’u, 2 Soane Vikena, 1 Ethan de Groot.

Replacements: 16 Jack Taylor, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Rohan Winghan, 19 Mitch Dunshea, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Folau Fakatava, 22 Taine Robinson, 23 Josh Whaanga

Moana Pasifika Form

Moana Pasifika are looking to make their first ever playoff but will still need to get some results. They are currently eighth on 20 points, but two teams below them are on 17 points, so one defeat could knock them down.

With four games remaining, this looks like the most winnable for Moana and perhaps the Blues at home next week. Thereafter they play away to the Chiefs and Hurricanes.

Last week, Moana looked in fine form at home, beating Fijian Drua 34-15 in a strong performance. Away from home Moana have struggled, which will be of concern to them with four games to go.

Moana Pasifika Injuries & Team News

15 William Havili, 14 Tevita Ofa, 13 Lalomilo Lalamilo, , 12 Danny Toala, 11 Kyren Taumoefolau, 10 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 7 Ardie Savea (captain), 6 Miracle Faiilagi, 5 Samuel Slade, 4 Tom Savage, 3 Chris Apoua, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 1 Tito Tuipulotu.

Replacements: 16 Tomasi Maka, 17 Monu Moli, 18 Pone Fa’amausili, 19 Ofa Tauatevalu, 20 Sione Havili Talitui, 21 Melani Matavao, 22 Julian Savea, 23 Patrick Pellegrini.

Verdict

Highlanders v Moana Pasifika

The Highlanders are backed to win this match by more than 4.5 points against Moana.

Highlanders -4.5

Handicap

@1/1 - 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