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Western Force vs Highlanders Predictions & Tips - Upset on the cards as Force look for win

Ralph Staniforth

Editor

Last updated: 20 May 2021

Ralph Staniforth 20 May 2021

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Western Force vs Highlanders predictions for Friday’s Super Rugby AU match
Match is being played at 10:45 BST at the HBF Park
Western Force have won or lost by less than 10 points in 7 of their last 9 matches.
I am backing the Western Force to finish within 10 points of the Highlanders and perhaps win
Preview, predictions, stats & team news

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Western Force backed to finish within 10 points of the Highlanders (Getty Images)

Western Force vs Highlanders Predictions

The Western Force have been superb in recent weeks. That run includes a victory over Super Rugby AU champs, the Reds. At home they should be able to hold off the inconsistent Highlanders although the odds favour the visitors.

Western Force have won 3 of their last 5 matches.
Western Force have not lost by 10 or more points in 7 of their last 9 matches.
Highlanders have lost 2 of their last 3 away matches.
Highlanders have not covered the -10 handicap in 5 of their last 7 matches.

Head to Head

Highlanders have won three of their last four matches against the Western Force. Their last encounter took place in 2017 where the Highlanders ran riot in a 55-6 victory.

Western Force Form

The Western Force have been in good form of late despite a few defeats. They managed to qualify for the Super Rugby AU playoff where they suffered a 21-9 defeat to the Brumbies.

Last week the Western Force were impressive again, this time they lost 20-19 at home to the high-flying Chiefs. It was a match in which the Force were always huge underdogs and after a good start by the Chiefs, it looked like a long day for the Force.

The Perth-based outfit however fought back in the game and had an opportunity to snatch the victory late on. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be but they will fancy their chances against the Highlanders on home soil.

Western Force Injuries & Team News

The only change for the Western Force sees Brynard Stander drop to the bench with Sitaleki Timani coming in.

Highlanders Form

Last weekend the Highlanders beat the Reds 40-19 in Dunedin. It was a good performance by the Highlanders but the Reds had just come off a dramatic final victory the week before.

The Highlanders have been terribly inconsistent this season, going from magnficent performances to being unrecognisable the following week.

Away from home the Highlanders have been more impressive, especially in their 33-12 victory over the Crusaders a few weeks ago.

Highlanders Injuries & Team News

The Highlander backline remains unchanged for this fixture. In the forward pack Shannon Frizell starts at flank with Bryn Evans coming in at lock.

Western Force vs Highlanders Live Stream FAQ

Where can I watch the Western Force vs Highlanders live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Western Force vs Highlanders live stream.

Verdict

Western Force v Highlanders

Western Force have been very competitive in recent weeks and lost by a mere point to the Chiefs last weekend. I'm backing the hosts to lose by less than 10 and possibly cause an upset against the Highlanders.

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Ralph Staniforth is a South African sports journalist, editor and betting writer who has worked in sports media since 2012.

With a background in Sports Science, he has covered a wide range of sports and interviewed leading players and coaches across South African rugby, cricket and football.

His sports betting work covers both South African and international markets, combining his knowledge of sport with extensive experience analysing fixtures, teams, form and betting markets.

Ralph specialises in football and rugby, while also covering cricket, tennis and golf. His work includes match previews, betting tips, betting guides and broader analysis of the sports betting industry.

You can find more from Ralph at Muckrack and LinkedIn.