• Home
  • Rugby Union
timer

This preview has expired.

See all our latest betting tips or suggested betting sites

Highlanders vs Chiefs Betting Tips - Chiefs set for Super Rugby victory over Highlanders

ralph-staniforth
Editor
Last updated: Fri 20 Feb 2026 14:39
In the Super Rugby tournament, the Chiefs began their season with a solid victory in Auckland, emphasizing their position as tournament favorites. Despite suffering losses last season, the Highlanders pulled off a surprise victory against the Crusaders in their recent match, showcasing a morale boost and competitive spirit. As the Chiefs come off a win against the Blues, they aim to maintain their winning streak against the Highlanders, whom they have consistently dominated in recent encounters. The upcoming match promises excitement as the Chiefs are expected to cover the handicap of -9.5.
Ralph Staniforth 20 Feb 2026
Share this article
Or copy link
  • Chiefs favored to win after starting season with victory in Auckland.
  • Highlanders upset Crusaders last week but face tough Chiefs next.
  • Chiefs on a 5-match win streak against Highlanders.
Expired
Chiefs Super Rugby
Chiefs set for away win over Highlanders (Getty Images)

Chiefs are favourites to win the tournament and began their season with a victory in Auckland. The Highlanders upset the odds at home last weekend, beating the Crusaders, but I feel they will come up short this time around.

Key Stats - Chiefs Solid Away from Home


  • Highlanders have lost 3 of their last 5 home matches.
  • Highlanders have lost their last 5 meetings against the Chiefs.
  • Chiefs come into this match off the back of a 19-15 away win at the Blues.
  • Chiefs have won 3 of their last 5 away matches.

Five Wins in a Row for Chiefs


Chiefs lead 5-0 in their last five matches, both home and away, against the Highlanders.

Highlanders Off Morale-Boosting Win


Highlanders were out of form at home towards the end of the 2025 season, losing three of their last four home matches. They come into this match on the back of a 25-23 win against the Crusaders in the 2026 season opener.

Their previous home results include a win against the Fijian Drua (43-20), followed by losses against the Crusaders (42-10), Moana Pasifika (34-29), and the Chiefs (41-24). 

Highlanders are currently fifth in Super Rugby with four points after one match. They finished the 2025 season in 10th position with 20 points after 14 matches.

Chiefs Super Rugby Favourites


The Chiefs experienced a mixed run of form on the road towards the end of the 2025 season, winning two of their last four matches in all competitions. They come into this match on the back of a 19-15 win at the Blues in the 2026 season opener.

Their previous away results include a loss at the Hurricanes (35-17), followed by wins at the Crusaders (35-19) and the Highlanders (41-24), and a loss at the Crusaders (16-12).

The Chiefs are currently fourth in Super Rugby, with four points after 1 match. They finished the 2025 season in first position with 51 points after 14 matches.

Highlanders Starting Lineup


Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jona Nareki, Jonah Lowe, Cameron Millar, Folau Fakatava, Lucas Casey, Sean Withy, Te Kamaka Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Oliver Haig, Rohan Wingham, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot. 

Replacements: Henry Bell, Josh Bartlett, Sosefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Veveni Lasaqa, Adam Lennox, Reesjan Pasitoa, Tanielu Tele'a.

Chiefs Starting Lineup


Etene Nanai-Seturo, Kyren Taumoefolau, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Josh Jacomb, Xavier Roe, Luke Jacobson, Jahrome Brown, Kaylum Boshier, Tupou Vaa'i, Josh Lord, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Jared Proffit. 

Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Benet Kumeroa, Reuben O'Neill, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Tepaea Cook-Savage, Emoni Narawa

Verdict

The Highlanders were very good at home last weekend, but the Chiefs are a different class. While it will be competitive, in the end, I fancy the Chiefs to cover -9.5.

Best Bet1: Chiefs -9.5 Handicap @10/11 at 10bet - 4 Units
Chiefs -9.5
Handicap
@10/11 - 4 Units
100% up to £/€50 bonus
Get up to £/€50 on your first deposit

New players. Choose bonus at signup. Wager bonus 10x. Deposit used 1st. Any withdrawals void bonus. Valid 30 days. Odds, bet & payment limits. T&Cs apply. 18+.

Bet at 10bet
ralph-staniforth
Ralph Staniforth

Sports Editor • 15+ Years of Experience, South African Sports Specialist

Ralph is from South Africa and studied Sports Science post school at ETA (Education Teachers Academy) in Cape Town. 


He has always had a great passion for sport and this led him into the world of sports journalism, while coaching on the side. Since 2012 Ralph has worked as a journalist and covered many topics from business to sport. 

Over the last seven years he has interviewed numerous top rugby and cricket players and coaches in South Africa. 

Ralph has been betting on sports for the last ten years. He’s knowledgeable on numerous topics including football, rugby, cricket, tennis and golf. 


He supports Manchester United (football), Cheetahs (rugby), Knights (cricket) and has a newly found appreciation for Dominic Thiem on the tennis courts.

Read More

Top Betting Sites

special-offer-1Betting offers

Upcoming Events

21 Feb 2026

Highlanders v Chiefs

Hear more from Freetips.com