Blues vs Highlanders Predictions & Tips - Blues set for comfortable win in Auckland

Ralph Staniforth

Editor

Last updated: 15 May 2024

Listen

Ralph Staniforth 15 May 2024

Share this article

Tips for Blues vs Highlanders in Super Rugby on Saturday
Visitors have lost 10 of their last 11 against the Blues
Can the Blues get a crucial bonus point win?

Expired

Blues should be too good on home soil (Getty Images)

Blues vs Highlanders Predictions

The Blues are favourites at home where they have not lost this season. They are top of the table with 10 wins in 11 games and while the Highlanders have won their last three, this should be a hurdle too far for the visitors.

Blues vs Highlanders Predictions
Head to Head
Blues Form
Blues Squad & Team News
Highlanders Form
Highlanders Squad & Team News

I am backing the Blues to run rampant in Auckland, covering the -18 handicap.

Blues have won 10 of their last 11 matches against the Highlanders.
Blues have won 10 of their last 11 matches.
Blues have scored 4+ tries in their last 6 matches.
Highlanders have won their last 3 matches.

Head to Head

The Blues have won 10 of their last 11 matches against the Highlanders. Earlier this season the Auckland side won 37-29 away.

Blues Form

The Blues are top of the Super Rugby table with three rounds to play. They have won 10 of their 11 games, their only defeat came away against the Hurricanes.

However, the Blues cannot afford any slip up with the Hurricanes just two points off them. Last week, the Auckland-based outfit beat the Hurricanes 31-27 in a cracking contest at home.

Prior to that, the Blues beat the Brumbies at home, Reds away and the Rebels away. Their only defeat this season came way back in round three.

Blues Squad & Team News

With two tough fixtures to come, the Blues may risk resting a couple of players this weekend. They face the Crusaders away next weekend followed by the Chiefs at home.

Highlanders Form

The Highlanders have shifted themselves into the playoffs on 23 points with five wins and six defeats from their 11 games. They look pretty secure at the moment with an eight-point buffer to ninth.

For a while the Otago side looked out of it but three wins in their last three matches has seen them jump up the table. After a humiliating 31-0 defeat to the Reds, the Highlanders bounced back with a 7-6 win over the Western Force at home.

They then beat Moana 28-17 before last week seeing off the Crusaders 32-29 on home soil.

Highlanders Squad & Team News

The Highlanders need one result to secure a playoff spot this season. Their focus will be on Fijian Drua next Sunday so they could give some players a rest this weekend.

Verdict

Blues v Highlanders

The Blues are close to untouchable at home this season. I don’t see that changing this Saturday and fully expect them to cover the -18 handicap.

Blues -18

Handicap

@10/11 - 5 Units

Bet £10 Get £30

with bonus code NEWBONUS

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

Bet at bet365