Highlanders v Reds: Super Rugby Saturday Preview

Bouncing back from a heavy defeat at the Crusaders with a home win against Waratahs, the Reds will be looking for a more favourable result on New Zealand soil when they face the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.

The Reds’ last trip across the Tasman was one to forget, as head coach Les Kiss saw his side suffer a 43-19 defeat in Christchurch in Round 4.

However, the Queensland outfit bounced back at the first time of asking and secured both the points and the bragging rights when they beat the Waratahs 35-15 last time out.

The Highlanders will be a tough prospect on their own patch at Forsyth Barr Stadium but it’s a challenge for which the Reds look ready after dispatching the Tahs.

Highlanders v Reds betting preview

Reds looking to end the wait

Dunedin has not provided many fond memories for the Reds in recent years, as they have lost on all of their last visits to the Highlanders in Super Rugby Pacific.

The Reds have only managed one win in their last seven meetings against the Highlanders but that victory did come in their last encounter, as Kiss saw his side romp to a 31-0 victory.

Going into this game having won five of their last seven games in Super Rugby, the Reds will be hoping they can end that long wait for a victory at Forsyth Barr Stadium this weekend, something they are 2.60 to achieve.

Highlanders must get back in the saddle

Forsyth Barr Stadium has been a fortress for the Highlanders but they saw a four-game winning streak at home brought to an end by the Hurricanes last time out, with the Wellington outfit edging the contest in Dunedin 20-18.

Aussie opposition has not proven to be the easiest for the Highlanders of late, as they have won only one of their last six Super Rugby Pacific games against teams from Australia.

Head coach Clarke Dermody and his side will be determined to improve that record this weekend and the hosts are favourites at 1.53 to get back to winning ways against the Reds on Saturday.

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Highlanders v Reds odds

Highlanders - 1.53
Tie - 21.00
Reds - 2.60

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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.