Reds vs Highlanders Predictions - Reds to prevail against the Highlanders

Brad Newcomb

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Last updated: 25 Feb 2026

Brad Newcomb 25 Feb 2026

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Reds have won 5 of their last 7 home games against Highlanders.
Highlanders have lost 9 of their last 10 away matches.
Reds favoured to cover -1.5 handicap.

Expired

The Reds have often defeated the Highlanders at home (Getty Images)

The Reds lost their Super Rugby season opener, but they have a solid record against the Highlanders at home. The Highlanders have made a decent beginning to their season, but tend to lose on the road.

Reds have won 2 of their last 5 fixtures.
Reds have won 6 of their last 9 home matches.
Reds have won 5 of their last 7 home games against the Highlanders.
Highlanders have lost 9 of their last 10 away games.
Highlanders have lost 2 consecutive matches against the Reds.

Head to Head

The Highlanders have a slight edge with eight victories to seven against the Reds in 15 meetings.

Reds Form

The Reds travelled to face the Waratahs in their opening Super Rugby fixture two weeks ago, losing 36-12 after trailing 17-12 at half-time.

The Reds defeated the Highlanders 29-23 away from home last season and 31-0 at home in 2024.

The Reds will look to get their season on track when they host the Highlanders, having defeated their opponents in five of their last seven matchups on home soil.

Highlanders Form

The Highlanders came up empty-handed in their Super Rugby clash against the Chiefs last weekend, losing 26-23 at home after trailing 14-7 at the break.

Before that, the Highlanders started their season with a 25-23 home win over the Crusaders.

The Highlanders have struggled to win on their travels recently, having lost nine of their last ten matches, which is a poor return, including two consecutive defeats to the Reds.

Team News

Reds

Tim Ryan and Joe Brial scored a try each against the Waratahs.

Harry McLaughlin-Phillips slotted one conversion in the match.

Starting XV: Aidan Ross, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Louis Werchon, Carter Gordon, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell

Replacements: Josh Nasser, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Filipo Daugunu

Highlanders

Jona Nareki, Caleb Tangitau, and Veveni Lasaqa scored a try each against the Chiefs last weekend.

Cameron Millar landed two penalties and a conversion in the match.

Starting XV: Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Rohan Wingham, Will Stodart, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Sean Withy (co-c), Lucas Casey, Adam Lennox, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Jonah Lowe, Caleb Tangitau, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Replacements: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sosefo Kautai, Oliver Haig, Veveni Lasaqa, Folau Fakatava, Reesjan Pasitoa, Tanielu Tele'a