REDSThe Reds host the Highlanders in Super Rugby Pacific Round 12 in Brisbane on Friday and the home side have been finding tough going against New Zealand opposition.

 

 

 

Reds v Highlanders, Friday 6th May, Brisbane, KO 11:45 (South African time)

 

Referee: Nic Berry
Assistants: Reuben Keane, James Palmer

Weather Forecast – Brisbane

 

Reds:

 

The Reds were given around 5.5 points start for last week's clash with the Chiefs in Brisbane, they obliged for punters who took that plus handicap but they lost the game 27-25 to slip out of the top 4. That was their first loss at Suncorp this season and the Reds have now lost 22 of their last 24 Super Rugby matches against New Zealand sides.

 

Prior to that the Reds took on the Hurricanes in the Super Round in Melbourne. They were given around 8.5 points start on the handicap and they charged into a 17-0 lead before the Canes came back with 30 unanswered points and 30-17 was the final score.

 

The Reds have won 7 and lost 3 and they finished the previous round in fifth place in the standings with 31 points, 9 behind the Blues who top the log. In the outright betting the Reds are trading at around 12/1 to win the tournament

 

Highlanders:

 

The Highlanders were in Suva last week for a clash with Fijian Drua. They were 9.5 point favourites on the handicap and they edged the game 27-24.

 

The Highlanders took on the Brumbies in the Melbourne Super Round, the betting suggested it would be close but the Australian side won 28-17.

 

Their only other win so far came in their seventh outing when they beat Moana Pasifika 37-17, also in Dunedin, picking up a bonus point along the way.

 

With 2 wins (and 4 losing bonus points) the Highlanders have 13 log points against their name and finished Round 11 third from bottom of the overall standings.

 

Team News (subject to change)

 

Reds : Harry Hoopert, Richie Asiata, Feao Fotuaika, Ryan Smith, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Lawson Creighton, Jordan Petaia, Hamish Stewart, Hunter Paisami, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell

 

Reserves: Matt Faessler, Dane Zander, Albert Anae, Angus Blyth, Angus Scott-Young, Spencer Jeans, Josh Flook, Filipo Daugunu

 

Highlanders: Ethan de Groot, Liam Coltman, Jermaine Ainsley, Bryn Evans, Josh Dickson, James Lentjes (co-c), Billy Harmon, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Aaron Smith (co-c), Mitch Hunt, Scott Gregory, Fetuli Paea, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Sam Gilbert, Connor Garden-Bachop

 

Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Mau, Max Hicks, Hugh Renton, Folau Fakatava, Marty Banks, Mosese Dawai

 

 

The Betting Need to open an account? Claim your 1st deposit bonus of up to R2,000 here

 

Reds -4.5 points at 9/10

Highlanders +5.5 points at 9/10

 

Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.

 

Betting Angle

 

This game is very much where I handicapped it in my Sunday night exercise and so there is no obvious value for me. The guests on last nights betting show were leaning towards Reds over 23.5 Click here for the video preview of Reds v Highlanders but I am nervous of the Brisbane weather and Durban like humidity.

The Reds are missing a few key players but I still think they will win but not by more than 12.

 

Click here to access our forum where other punters will share their views and I will post any points bets

 

BET: 3 units Reds by 1-12 points inclusive at 1.75/1 at Sunbet

 

Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.

 

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