Rebels can put up an early fight

Highlanders v Rebels
Sky Sports 2, 7.35am Friday

The Highlanders have shipped 14 tries in three heavy defeats to New Zealand rivals, while they have conceded just one in their two low-scoring wins over the Blues and Brumbies.

This looks an easier assignment and a chance to build on last week’s 18-13 success in Canberra against a Rebels side who showed some fight against the Chiefs and Waratahs in their last two outings.

The Highlanders are asked to give up a 23-point handicap but they have scored more than 20 points in one of their five outings.

A better bet may be that the hosts clear an 11-point second-half line after a tight opening.

Recommendation
Highlanders -11 on second-half handicap
1pt 5-6 Betfair