Hurricanes vs Highlanders prediction: Hurricanes can blow Highlanders away

The Hurricanes will be looking to pip the Blues to top spot in their final game of the regular season when they host the Highlanders on Saturday morning (05:35 kick-off).  The Canes and the Blues are level on 51 points, with both teams impressively having won 11 of 13 games. 

While the Blues have a tougher test against the Chiefs in Auckland on Saturday, the Hurricanes will be looking to swing the points difference back in their favour with a big win over the Highlanders. The Dunedin outfit have a poor record against the Canes and could be set for what will feel like a long 80 minutes at Sky Stadium. 

Team News 

Starting with the Hurricanes, Asafo Aumua and James Tucker return to make the starting XV at hooker and lock respectively. 

Du'Plessis Kirifi comes into the back row after missing the 20-17 win over the Chiefs in Hamilton last time out. 

Salesi Rayasi starts on the left wing for his 50th cap for the Hurricanes, who are otherwise unchanged. 

As for the Highlanders, with their place in the finals also assured, they have brought in some fresh legs for the trip to Wellington. 

Will Tucker pairs up with Fabian Holland in the engine room, with Max Hicks, Billy Harmon and Nikora Broughton in the back row. 

Scrum-half James Arscott gets the nod for his second start of the season, with Ajay Faleafaga partnering him in the half-backs. 

Finn Hurley gets his first start at full-back, while loose forward Hayden Michaels is in line to make his debut off the bench. 

Hurricanes vs Highlanders Odds

Hurricanes are the ultra-hot favourites at 1/80 to claim the victory in Wellington on Saturday, while the Highlanders are 14/1 shots to cause a huge surprise in the capital. The draw in the Windy City is a 28/1 chance. 

Hurricanes -27 handicap @ 7/5  

With the Highlanders looking to field some of their future stars this weekend, it's clear the visitors are resting up some key figures in the lead-up to the finals in June. 

The Hurricanes have the motivation to post a big score this weekend in a bid to try to leapfrog the Blues into top spot by the end of Saturday. 

With that in mind, and considering the Canes have won nine of their last 10 games against the Highlanders, the hosts should be able to overcome the -27 handicap on the way to a comprehensive victory at Sky Stadium. 

71 or more total points @ 13/5

With a 69-point difference between the Hurricanes and the Blues, the Wellington side need a substantial swing in their favour if the points were to end up level by the close of play on Saturday. 

The Hurricanes will be motivated to attack from the off to build a solid lead and that should result in a high-scoring affair. 

With the Highlanders also posing an attacking threat, backing a total tally of 71 or more points catches the eye at 13/5. 

Rugby Union Betting Tips from Betfred Insights.