Highlanders vs Hurricanes Predictions & Tips - Highlanders backed for victory in Dunedin

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 13 Mar 2025

Ralph Staniforth 13 Mar 2025

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Highlanders have won their last 2 matches; Hurricanes lost 3 of last 4.
Highlanders are backed to cover a -1.5 handicap.
Hurricanes have historically beaten Highlanders in the last 7 matches.

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Highlanders backed for victory in New Zealand derby (Getty Images)

Highlanders vs Hurricanes Predictions

While the Hurricanes have won their last seven encounters against the Highlanders, the form of the two sides tell a different story in 2025. I am backing the Highlanders to cover the -1.5 handicap.

Highlanders vs Hurricanes Predictions
Head to Head
Highlanders Form
Highlanders Injuries & Team News
Hurricanes Form
Hurricanes Injuries & Team News

Highlanders have won their last 2 matches.
Hurricanes have lost 3 of their last 4 matches.
Hurricanes have won their last 7 matches against the Highlanders.

Head to Head

Hurricanes have been victorious in their last seven matches against the Highlanders.

Highlanders Form

The Highlanders have made a strong start to the season, winning two of their three games to date. On nine points, the Dunedin-based outfit will be looking to continue their momentum after enjoying an off weekend last time out.

In round one, the Highlanders were slightly unfortunate to lose 37-36 to the Waratahs in Sydney, but they bounced back superbly to beat the Blues 29-21 a week later at home.

At the end of February, the Highlanders came out on the right side of a tight game, beating Moana 31-29 away from home.

Highlanders Injuries & Team News

15 Sam Gilbert, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 13 Tanielu Tele’a, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (captain), 11 Joe Nareki, 10 Taine Robinson, 9 Nathan Hastie, 8 Nikora Broughton, 7 Sean Withy, 6 TK Howden, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Saula Ma’u, 2 Jack Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.

Replacements: 16 Soane Vikena, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Sefo Kautai, 19 Will Stodart, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 James Arscott, 22 Ajay Faleafaga, 23 Jake Te Hiw.

Hurricanes Form

Concerns will start to creep in at the Hurricanes. After four matches, they are bottom of the table with just one win thus far.

This goes against everything from last season when the Canes, alongside the Blues, dominated the round robin stage, losing just two games. The Canes suffered defeat to the Crusaders in round one before beating Fijian Drua 38-34 at home a week later.

The Canes were back at home a week later but lost 33-29 to the Blues before going down against all the odds against Moana 40-31 last weekend.

Hurricanes Injuries & Team News

15 Ruben Love, 14 Ngatungane Punivai, 13 Bailyn Sullivan, 12 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 11 Kini Naholo, 10 Harry Godfrey, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-captain), 6 Brad Shields (co-captain), 5 Zach Gallagher, 4 Caleb Delany, 3 Tevita Mafileo,, 2 Jacob Devery, 1 Xavier Numia.

Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20 Braydon Iose, 21 Jordi Viljoen, 22 Riley Hohepa, 23 Fatafehi Fineanganofo.

Verdict

Highlanders v Hurricanes

I am backing the Highlanders to win this fixture and cover the -1.5 handicap.

Highlanders Win

Result

@7/10 - 3 Units

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Highlanders -1.5

Handicap

@10/11 - 2 Units

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