Reds vs Hurricanes Prediction: Hurricanes can make top-four statement

Friday's Super Rugby encounter between the Reds and Hurricanes is the highlight of this weekend’s round of matches as both teams look to enhance their top-four claims at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane (10.35am KO, Sky Sports+). 

The Reds currently hold fourth place in the table on 32 points, but the Hurricanes are hot on their heels on 30 points. 

Despite their advantage in the standings, the Reds are trending the wrong way, having lost four of their last six games. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are unbeaten in four, with three wins to their name in that time and they will be determined to make a statement on the road. Let's preview the action and get the all-important Reds vs Hurricanes Predictions...

Team News 

The Reds are without 13 players for Friday's match, with the likes of George Blake, Frankie Goldsbrough, Isaac Henry, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Seru Uru all sidelined. 

Australia captain Harry Wilson will make a timely return, though, after recovering from a broken arm. Wilson returns after missing five games, while Tom Lynagh is back at fly-half. 

Dre Pakeho and Hunter Paisami start in the centres, allowing Filipo Daugunu to move back out to the wing. 

Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw has named Daniel Sinkinson in his starting XV for the first time this season, while Tyrel Lomax returns to add some experience in the front row. 

Devan Flanders returns to the bench after recovering from injury, but Brayden Iose and Ngane Punivai are sidelined after picking up injuries against the Highlanders. 

Reds vs Hurricanes Odds

There is little to split these two teams in the table and the betting is no different. The Reds are 10/11 to win, the draw is 20/1, while the Hurricanes are 1/1 to record a road victory. 

Despite their inconsistent form, home advantage makes the Reds 20/21 favourites to cover the 0 handicap. 

Hurricanes +6 @ 1/2 

This week's match is the pick of the bunch in Super Rugby and hopefully it lives up to the hype. 

The last encounter in 2024 finished at 19-19 at half-time, 33-33 at full-time, before the Hurricanes won 38-33 in extra-time. 

Neutrals will be desperate for another strong performance from both teams, but the Hurricanes will not travel to Australia with any fear. 

They are unbeaten against Australian sides, beating the Waratahs and Brumbies, while drawing 17-17 with the Force in Round 10. 

Queensland will be tough to beat at home, having only lost once in front of their own fans, but the Hurricanes can cover the +6 handicap at the very worst. 

Over 54.5 points @ 4/5 

Games between these two teams have been lively in recent years and Friday's should be no different. The return of key players for both teams should only aid their chances of scoring points and both have the desire to finish in the top four. 

The last two encounters between the two clubs have contained at least 60 points, while only one of the last five battles have contained fewer than 55. 

Rugby Union Betting Tips from Betfred Insights.