Highlanders vs Western Force Predictions - Highlanders to see off the Western Force

Brad Newcomb

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Last updated: 2 hours ago

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Brad Newcomb 2 hours ago

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Highlanders have won 4 in row at home against the Western Force.
Western Force have historically struggled against the Highlanders recently.
Highlanders are expected to cover the -9.5 handicap.

Highlanders are on a home winning streak against the Western Force (Getty Images)

The Highlanders have lost back-to-back Super Rugby fixtures, but have an excellent home record against the Western Force. The Western Force recorded their first win of the season last weekend but have struggled against the Highlanders recently.

Highlanders have lost 4 of their last 5 fixtures.
Highlanders have lost 4 of their last 5 home matches.
Highlanders have won 4 consecutive home games against the Western Force.
Western Force have lost 4 of their last 5 fixtures.
Western Force have won 2 of their last 5 away games.
Western Force have lost 7 of their last 9 matches against the Highlanders.

Head to Head

The Highlanders and the Western Force have seven victories each in 14 meetings.

Highlanders Form

The Highlanders took on the Reds away from home last weekend, losing 31-14 after trailing 19-7 at half-time.

Before that, the Highlanders began their Super Rugby campaign with a solid 25-23 home win over the Crusaders before losing to the Chiefs 26-23 in their own backyard.

The Highlanders have lost back-to-back fixtures, but they did beat the Crusaders at home this season, and they have won seven of their last nine encounters with the Western Force, giving them the edge to come out on top.

Western Force Form

Western Force registered their first victory in their new Super Rugby campaign last weekend, beating Moana Pasifika away 35-19 after leading 21-7 at the break.

Before that result, Western Force also lost to the Brumbies 56-24 in their opening match of the season and 42-32 to the Blues at home.

Western Force will be pleased to have secured their win of the season and will need to produce a repeat performance against the Highlanders to win the match; however, they are on a four-match losing streak against their hosts away from home.

Team News

Highlanders

Starting XV: Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Angus Ta'avao, Oliver Haig, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Veveni Lasaqa, Nikora Broughton, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Jonah Lowe, Caleb Tangitau, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Replacements: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sosefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Sean Withy, Adam Lennox, Reesjan Pasitoa, Tanielu Tele'a

Western Force

Starting XV: Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crepsigny, Carlo Tizzano, Vaiolini Ekausi, Nathan Hastie, Ben Donaldson, George Bridge, Hamish Stewart, Divad Palu, Darby Lancaster, Mac Grealy

Replacements: Nic Dolly, Sef Fa'agase, Misinale Epenisa, Franco Molina, Will Harris, Henry Robertson, Max Burey, Kurtley Beale