Highlanders vs Reds Predictions - Reds can cause an upset in Dunedin

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 21 Mar 2025

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Simon Lewis 21 Mar 2025

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Highlanders slightly favored with a 3.5-point handicap.
Reds have won 3 of their last 4 matches, including a 31-0 win over the Highlanders.
This match promises potential for a Reds upset.

Highlanders have won 2 of their last 4 matches. (Getty Images)

Highlanders vs Reds Predictions

This should be a very good contest at the Forsyth Barr Stadium. The Highlanders are slight favourites with the handicap set at 3.5 points but two of their games have ended by margins smaller already this season. I am backing the Reds to get within that margin and perhaps upset the odds with a win.

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

Highlanders have won 2 of their last 4 matches.
Reds have won 3 of their last 4 matches.
Reds beat the Highlanders 31-0 in their last encounter.

Head to Head

The Highlanders have won six of their last seven against the Reds. However, when they met in 2024, the Reds won 31-0.

Highlanders Form

The Highlanders have played four games thus far, won two and lost two. They are sixth on the table with 10 points.

After losing by a point to the Waratahs in round one, the Highlanders beat the Blues 29-21 on home soil. That was followed by another win, this time 31-29 against Moana Pasifika.

Last weekend, the Dunedin-based outfit came up just short on home soil, losing 20-18 to the Hurricanes.

Highlanders Injuries & Team News

15 Finn Hurley, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 13 Tanielu Tele’a, 12 Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 11 Timoci Tavatavanawai (captain), 10 Taine Robinson, 9 Nathan Hastie; 8 Nikora Broughton, 7 Veveni Lasaqa, 6 Sean Withy, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 4 Te Kamaka TK Howden, 3 Saula Ma’u, 2 Soane Vikena, 1 Ethan de Groot.

Replacements: 16 Jack Taylor, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Sefo Kautai, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Will Stodart, 21 James Arscott, 22 Ajay Faleafaga, 23 Sam Gilbert.

Reds Form

The Reds have made a strong start to the season, winning three of their four games. They are third, level on points with second and fourth.

In round one the Reds had a bye before they comfortably saw off Moana 56-36 in round two. That was followed by a 28-24 away win against the Western Force.

Round three saw the Reds well beaten by the Crusaders in Christchurch but the Reds backed back last weekend, beating the then unbeaten Waratahs 35-15 at home.

Reds Injuries & Team News

15 Heremaia Murray, 14 Lachie Anderson, 13 Filipo Daugunu, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Tim Ryan, 10 Tom Lynagh, 9 Kalani Thomas, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Josh Bryant, 6 Seru Uru, 5 Angus Blyth, 4 Josh Canham, 3 Zane Nonggorr, 2 Richie Asiata, 1 Sef Fa’agase.

Replacements: 16 Goerge Blake, 17 Alex Hodgman, 18 Massimo De Luitiis, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Joe Brial, 21 Louis Werchon, 22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23 Dre Pakeho.

Verdict

Highlanders v Reds

Reds are backed to get within 3.5 points and perhaps win the match.

Reds +3.5

Handicap

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Reds Win

Result

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