Crusaders vs. Highlanders Predictions

We have Crusaders vs. Highlanders predictions for the Super Rugby Week 5 game on Saturday, March 14 at 5:05pm at Apollo Projects Stadium.

The Southern Derby is always a good battle, and with the Highlanders winning the first meeting, the ‘Saders seek revenge.

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Best Bet

Highlanders +9.5 @ $1.90

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The Highlanders have already shown what it takes to beat the Crusaders and considering what has happened in the Crusaders’ camp this week, it’s an even stronger bet.

After being pumped by the Blues last week, tensions spilled over in training when two players started fighting. It’s not a good look for a usually professional Crusaders franchise, which hasn’t played well in 2026.

Momentum is with the Highlanders after beating the Force last week, and covering a +9.5 spread shouldn’t be too hard. We expect the derby to come down to the final 20 minutes, and the Highlanders should be there to strike.

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Same Game Multi

Highlanders +9.5, Caleb Tangitau Anytime Try Scorer, Sevu Reece Anytime Try Scorer, Over 55.5 @ $10.00

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Super Rugby same game multi bets get a boost from Caleb Tangitau, who is a juicy $2.10 chance to score. He has four tries already this year, including a double against the Force, and that’s enough to include him in picks.

Sevu Reece is all class, and although he has only one try for the Crusaders, it’s only a matter of time before he starts scoring with more frequency. He’s the $1.75 favourite for reason, and the All Black winger should play well.

We expect a back-and-forth contest between teams desperate to rise up the Super Rugby ladder. Conditions should be ideal, so include over 55.5 points for some added value.

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Best Value Bet

Highlanders H2H @ $3.20

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Upsets have happened frequently in Super Rugby Pacific, including the Highlanders beating the Crusaders in the opening week.

The 25-23 win might have come at home, but now is the best time to play the Crusaders. There is trouble in paradise, and we like the way the Highlanders are trending.

There is positivity in the camp, and their offence has improved enough to keep up with the higher scoring teams in the comp. That’s why we’re having something on the Highlanders to pull off the upset at $3.20.

Editor In Chief

Daryl Curnow

After graduating from the University of Auckland (BA - English), Daryl was thrown into the world of sports and horse racing journalism.

Having worked as a racing journalist for two years, he decided to move into the online world of horse racing and sports writing. After years of honing his craft, Daryl became a professional punter in 2009 - with a focus on horse racing, NRL, AFL, NBA, Rugby, NFL, and US college sports.

Daryl's tips have been featured on various websites around the world before joining the GoBet team. When he's not working, Daryl tries to avoid making bogeys on the golf course.