Highlanders vs Blues Prediction: Blues are the better team

Forsyth Barr Stadium will host the Super Rugby Pacific encounter between Highlanders and Blues. The last time these two teams met, Highlanders secured a win. Can the home team win this one? Below, I preview this game and offer betting responsibilities. 

Highlanders

Highlanders last league contest was against Waratahs and they lost. In a close 3-36 encounter, a 24-24 second half draw was not enough to see this team avoid a defeat after a 13-12 first half loss. However, Highlanders head into this game with a winless run of three matches, losing to Hurricanes and Brumbies in that run. The home team has also failed to win their last five matches in this fixture.

Blues

Blues opened their season on a losing note against Chiefs and will hope to get a better result. In a game that ended 14-25, Blues first-half strong performance was not enough to see them avoid a defeat. However, this team's run of matches after that defeat saw them go on a winning streak. In fact, they picked up a 10-41 win over the Chiefs the previous year in the final. 

Expert Betting Tips

Highlanders are struggling so much and I do not expect any surprising play from them. While Blues started their season on a negative end, I expect top play from them here. With the visiting team being the better team, I expect them to take their chances and win. 

Our first option is away team totals over 31.5 with odds at 1.60 on 1Xbet

Our second option is handicap W2(-11.5) with odds at 1.90 on Bet365

Our last option is over 56.5 with odds at 1.87 on Betway