Chiefs v Highlanders: Super Rugby Saturday Preview

After slumping to a 21-14 defeat at the Waratahs last time out, the Chiefs will be going all out to get back in the saddle at the first time of asking when they host the Highlanders at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday.

The Chiefs suffered just their second defeat of the season in Round 9 as they were outbattled by the Tahs at Allianz Stadium.

Failing to recover from a strong start made by the Waratahs in Sydney, the Chiefs will be determined to hit the ground running when they welcome the Highlanders to Hamilton this weekend.

Chiefs v Highlanders betting preview

Chiefs back at Hamilton fortress

Winning 20 of their last 22 Super Rugby Pacific games at FMG Waikato Stadium, including their last five in a row, the Chiefs are a formidable force on their own patch in Hamilton.

Scoring an average of 40 points per game in their last five home matches, the Chiefs find themselves in free-scoring form when rivals come to visit.

Head coach Clayton McMillan will be eager to make sure his side’s defeat in Sydney was just a blip and it’s little wonder why the Chiefs are the 1.12 favourites to win against the Highlanders on Saturday.

Highlander looking to replicate attacking performance

Winning 43-20 against Fijian Drua last time out, the Highlanders will make the trip to Hamilton hoping to continue that attacking form.

Drua are rarely the same outfit on their travels and the Highlanders made light work of their encounter in Dunedin, scoring seven tries in an impressive performance at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

A much sterner test awaits this weekend in Hamilton, with the Highlanders looking to avoid a sixth-straight defeat against the Chiefs.

The Highlanders have shown they can get at the Chiefs, having outscored them in three of the last five second halves they have played.

A stronger start will be required from Jamie Joseph’s men if they are to cause an upset on Saturday, with the Highlanders outsiders at 6.00 for the victory.

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Chiefs v Highlanders odds

Chiefs - 1.12
Tie - 34.00
Highlanders - 6.00

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.