Forsyth Barr Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 1 Super Rugby game between Highlanders and Reds. The game kicks off at 5:05 pm with Highlanders heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Highlanders vs. Reds game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday May 14, 2021 at 5:05 pm

Where: Forsyth Barr Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Highlanders vs Reds Odds

Highlanders vs Reds Preview

This fixture boils down to how prepared the Reds are come kickoff.

Nobody would begrudge them the ability to celebrate their Super Rugby AU Grand Final win, however the six-day turnaround is not going to help them here.

Brad Thorn has already said that some rotation will need to take place and the absence of Hunter Paisami is perhaps the biggest hole that will need to be filled.

Working in their favour however is the fact that the Highlanders hardly set the world alight in Super Rugby Aotearoa this year, winning just three of their eight matches and ending their season with a 41-22 defeat at the hands of the last placed Hurricanes.

Quite a lot has changed since the Reds last visited the Forsyth Barr Stadium in February 2019, and the confidence gained by winning their local competition will give them hope of springing an upset.

While taking the Reds outright is tempting, especially if James O’Connor can continue his mature, measured approach to controlling the game, I’ll settle for the insurance of the Reds at the line.

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Highlanders vs Reds Tip