Waratahs vs Highlanders Predictions & Tips - Waratahs set for Super Rugby victory over Highlanders

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 12 Feb 2025

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Ralph Staniforth 12 Feb 2025

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Waratahs were 2024 bottom finishers, winning only 2 games.
Highlanders finished 6th in 2024, reaching the quarter-finals.
Waratahs expected to cover -7.5 handicap with strengthened squad.

Expired

Waratahs to start 2025 with a bang (Getty Imagges)

Waratahs vs Highlanders Predictions

Going by last season, the Highlanders will fancy their chances, but the Tahs’ have strengthened their squad, and they look to be a playoff contending side. I’m backing the Waratahs to cover the -7.5 handicap.

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

Waratahs lost 12 of their 14 matches last season.
Highlanders finished 6th on the 2024 Super Rugby table.
Highlanders have won 3 of their last 5 games against the Waratahs.

Head to Head

The Highlanders have won three of their last five games against the Waratahs, including last season’s encounter.

Waratahs Form

The Waratahs will certainly be looking for a more positive year after finishing bottom of the Super Rugby Pacific table in 2024. They won two matches of their 14, losing 12 and had a -128 points difference.

With just 13 points, the Tahs’ were five points off Moana just above them. The Waratahs won two games in 2024 and both of those came against the Crusaders – both home and away. They failed to register a win against any other opponent.

The Sydney-based outfit certainly have no excuses this year as the Melbourne Rebels misfortune has benefited all Aussie franchises. With the Rebels now defunct, players from Melbourne have joined other sides, including the Waratahs.

Waratahs Injuries & Team News

15 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Lalakai Foketi, 12 Joey Walton, 11 Max Jorgensen, 10 Tane Edmed, 9 Jake Gordon (captain), 8 Langi Gleeson, 7 Charlie Gamble, 6 Rob Leota, 5 Miles Amatosero, 4 Hugh Sinclair, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Dave Porecki, 1 Angus Bell.

Replacements: 16 Mahe Vailanu, 17 Tom Lambert, 18 Siosifa Amone, 19 Ben Grant, 20 Jamie Adamson, 21 Jack Grant, 22 Jack Bowen, 23 Darby Lancaster.

Highlanders Form

The Highlanders had a good season in 2024, finishing sixth on the table and qualified for the quarter-finals. They won six and lost eight of their league games.

In the quarter-final, the Dunedin-based outfit fell short 32-16 in Canberra against the Brumbies. However, making the play offs ahead of the likes of the Crusaders was a good achievement.

A similar showing in 2025 will certainly be seen as a success for a franchise that does lack international quality.

Highlanders Injuries & Team News

15 Sam Gilbert, 14 Michael Manson, 13 Tanielu Tele’a, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-captain), 11 Caleb Tangitau, 10 Taine Robinson, 9 Nathan Hastie, 8 Hugh Renton (co-captain), 7 Sean Withy, 6 Lui Naeata, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Saula Ma’u, 2 Soane Mikaele Vikena, 1 Ethan de Groot.

Replacements: 16 Henry Bell, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Sefo Kautai, 19 Nikora Broughton, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Folau Fakatava, 22 Cameron Millar, 23 Finn Hurley.

Verdict

Waratahs v Highlanders

Waratahs were poor in 2024, but they have the squad to do much better in 2025. I'm backing them to get the win and cover the -7.5 handicap.

Waratahs -7.5

Handicap

@10/11 - 5 Units

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