Highlanders vs Moana Pasifika Tips - Hosts backed against Moana in Super Rugby

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: Fri. 02 May 2025 20:01

Ralph Staniforth 02 May 2025

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Highlanders aim for a crucial win to secure playoff position
Moana Pasifika struggles with away games but recently won at home
Highlanders favored to win by more than 4.5 points despite past losses

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Highlanders vs Moana Pasifika Super Rugby

Highlanders have lost 6 of their last 7 matches. (Getty Images)

Highlanders vs Moana Pasifika Tips

These two are both fighting for a top eight finish, so it should be well contested. The hosts are backed despite their recent form with Moana known to struggle on the road.

Highlanders vs Moana Pasifika Tips
Head to Head
Highlanders Form
Highlanders Team News
Moana Pasifika Form
Moana Pasifika Team News

Highlanders have lost 6 of their last 7 matches.
Highlanders lost their last home game by 33 points.
Moana Pasifika won their last match.
Moana Pasifika have lost 8 of their last 9 away matches.

Head to Head

All five previous games have ended in the Highlanders favour. Earlier this season, the Dunedin-based outfit won by two points against Moana.

Highlanders Form

The Highlanders have only managed three wins from 10 games to date. Time is fast running out for the Dunedin side who are three points off Moana in eighth place.

This is simply a must-win game for the Highlanders to keep any hopes of a playoff alive. Only three games remain after this, and they are all against the best performing New Zealand sides.

Six of the last seven games have ended in defeat for the Highlanders. Their only win in that span came at home against Fijian Drua. Last week, the Highlanders were humiliated at home, going down 43-10 to the Crusaders.

Highlanders Team News

15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Sam Gilbert, 13 Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 11 Jonah Lowe, 10 Cameron Millar, 9 Nathan Hastie, 8 Hugh Renton, 7 Sean Withy, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 5 Oliver Haig, 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Saula Ma’u, 2 Soane Vikena, 1 Ethan de Groot.

Replacements: 16 Jack Taylor, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Rohan Winghan, 19 Mitch Dunshea, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Folau Fakatava, 22 Taine Robinson, 23 Josh Whaanga

Moana Pasifika Form

Moana Pasifika are looking to make their first ever playoff but will still need to get some results. They are currently eighth on 20 points, but two teams below them are on 17 points, so one defeat could knock them down.

With four games remaining, this looks like the most winnable for Moana and perhaps the Blues at home next week. Thereafter they play away to the Chiefs and Hurricanes.

Last week, Moana looked in fine form at home, beating Fijian Drua 34-15 in a strong performance. Away from home Moana have struggled, which will be of concern to them with four games to go.

Moana Pasifika Team News

15 William Havili, 14 Tevita Ofa, 13 Lalomilo Lalamilo, 12 Danny Toala, 11 Kyren Taumoefolau, 10 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 7 Ardie Savea (captain), 6 Miracle Faiilagi, 5 Samuel Slade, 4 Tom Savage, 3 Chris Apoua, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 1 Tito Tuipulotu.

Replacements: 16 Tomasi Maka, 17 Monu Moli, 18 Pone Fa’amausili, 19 Ofa Tauatevalu, 20 Sione Havili Talitui, 21 Melani Matavao, 22 Julian Savea, 23 Patrick Pellegrini.