Queensland Reds vs Otago Highlanders Super Rugby Betting Tips 22-02-2019

The Queensland Reds open their 2019 Super Rugby season with a visit to the Otago Highlanders on Friday night. The Reds are coming off a horror 2018 season but have the benefit of opening this year’s campaign a week later than the rest of the comp due to the bye.

Can Reds Improve in 2019 Super Rugby?

The only way is up for the Reds, who finished third from bottom last year with six wins and 10 losses. The most embarrassing moment of last season was a 63-28 thumping at the hands of eventual wooden spooners the Sunwolves. The signing of Wallaby Sefa Naivalu will strengthen Brad Thorn’s attack, but the betting odds suggest the Reds are going to struggle again this year.

. @Reds_Rugby signing Bryce Hegarty says the club can't wait to have their first taste of @SuperRugby for the 2019 season. @Tim_Klingner #9News pic.twitter.com/FgPxZotW4c

— Nine News Queensland (@9NewsQueensland) February 18, 2019

The Highlanders were knocked out by the Waratahs in the quarters last year. They lost star fly-half Lima Sopoaga to English club Wasps in the off-season, but it didn’t seem to bother them as they beat the Chiefs 30-27 in their season opener.

HIGHLIGHTS: 2019 Super Rugby Week 1 Chiefs v Highlanders#SuperRugby #CHIvHIG pic.twitter.com/9bg2OMdVNH

— Super Rugby (@SuperRugby) February 15, 2019

Highlanders v Reds Betting Tips

Last year’s encounter between these two teams was a nail biter, with the Highlanders scraping home by 18 points to 15 at Suncorp Stadium. But Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium is a completely different proposition: the Highlanders won seven of eight games there last season, while the Reds lost seven of their eight away games. It’s easy to see why the Highlanders are hot favourites; for true value, bet365 is paying 1.33 for the Highlanders to lead at half time and full time.

Margins and handicap betting might provide best value in this match. The average margin in the Highlanders’ seven home wins last season was more than 13 points. The average losing margin in the Reds’ seven away losses was almost 20 points. PointsBet has set a handicap (no draw) of 18.5 points for the Highlanders v Reds Super Rugby match.