Highlanders vs Crusaders: Prediction for the Match on April 26, 2025

Highlanders vs Crusaders: Prediction and odds on the Match on 26 April 2025

Highlanders and Crusaders will take on each other in week 11 of the Super Rugby Pacific, on Saturday, 26th April 2025, at the Forsyth Barr Stadium. Highlanders have been struggling with five losses in their last six games, while Crusaders have won their previous three games. Can Crusaders continue their excellent winning run? I will take a proper look at the preview of this game and offer free betting opportunities.

Highlanders: Form and Statistics

The Highlanders suffered a 46-10 defeat against the Chiefs in their last match. In their previous six games, they won once, and their poor run seems not to be ending anytime soon. However, all their last five games ended with over 40 goals in the overall goal structure. They failed to score in the second half of their previous game, a trend that has occurred twice in their recent losses. The Reds are seated 9th in the league standings with 17 points from nine games; they are just four points away from the Super Rugby Playoffs. 

Highlanders Lineup

Due to some injuries, the Highlanders have been forced to make changes for their next game; the two captains are out, with Hugh Renton suffering from a groin injury and Daniel Lienert-Brown from a foot injury. They will still struggle to find players on the wing, with Caleb Tangitau still not ready, while Jona Nareki has been ruled out due to a knee injury. The only good news for this team is that Ethan de Groot is fit and ready to play.

Highlanders Expected Lineup

Ethan de Groot, Soane Vikena, Saula Ma'u, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland Te Kamaka Howden, Sean Withy, Will Stodart, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Jonah Lowe, Jake Te Hiw, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.

Crusaders: Form and Statistics

Crusaders secured a 25-22 win in their last match against the Blues, extending their winning run to three straight games. The Fijian Drua and Hurricanes also suffer at the hands of the Crusaders. Interestingly, all three games resulted in more than 40 goals. They should have been on an unbeaten run of seven matches, but instead, they lost one of their last four games against Moana Pasifika. The Reds are seated second in the league standings with 32 points from nine games, tying them with the first team in first position.

Crusaders Lineup

Crusaders have some good news. In the front row, Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell are available. Scott Barrett starts at lock in this clash, and 21-year-old Xavier Saifoloi will get a green light to start at the blindside. Tom Christie will be a replacement for Ethan Blackadder at openside, as Blackadder has been ruled out of the squad due to suffering from a hamstring injury. Noah Hotham and Taha Kemara will play together, pairing to keep their place in the 9/10.  

Crusaders Expected Lineups

George Bower, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Jamie Hannah, Xavier Saifoloi, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Taha, Kemara, Macca Springer, David Havili, Dallas McLeod, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan.

Highlanders vs Crusaders Head-to-Head Statistics

The head-to-head games between the Highlanders and Crusaders, starting from 2021, have resulted in six clashes, with the Highlanders winning twice and the Crusaders winning four times.

Highlanders vs Crusaders Match Tips & Odds

• Highlanders and Crusaders have scored over 50 points in their last two head-to-head games. A bet on over 53.5 is available on 1xbet with odds at 1.62.
• Highlanders have been scoring first in their last five games in the head-to-head against the Crusaders. A bet on the Highlanders to score first is available on Bet365 with odds at 2.33.
• Crusaders have won three times in their last four head-to-head games against Highlanders. A both half win for both Crusaders in this fixture has a value of 1.63 on Betway.

Highlanders vs Crusaders Prediction 26 April 2025

Crusaders will win here as they have been in excellent form, having won all their last three games, while Highlanders have lost five games in their last six matches. Additionally, the Crusaders have celebrated three victories in their previous four head-to-head games against the Highlanders, and both sides have scored over 50 points, totalling 53 goals from their last two games together. 

Our match prediction: is for over 53.5 points, with odds of 1.67 on the 1XBet bookmaker. 

Our betting tip: is Highlanders to score first in this match with odds at 2.33 on the Bet365 bookmaker.

Our final match prediction: is for the Crusaders to win both halves here with odds at 2.00 on the Betway bookmaker.