The Highlanders beat the Blues earlier this season in April and that victory ended a run of six defeats for the Highlanders.

The Blues and the Highlanders have played each other 19 times in Super Rugby and the Blues have won 13 times and lost six times.

This translates to the Blues winning 68% of their matches against the Highlanders. This season they have won 17% of their matches or two out of 12.

The average score when the Blues play the Highlanders is Blues 28 and Highlanders 20. However in Auckland that changes to Blues 34 Highlanders 19. This season the average score in Auckland has been Blues 20 Highlanders 20.

The Blues have played the Highlanders 9 times in Auckland and they have won 8 and lost once - 10 years ago in 2002.

The Blues will go into the match on the back of a humiliating 59-12 loss to the Crusaders in Christchurch last weekend. That loss cost Piri Weepu, Ali Williams and Ma'a Nonu their places in the starting line up for this weekend.

The Highlanders had looked to be losing their form in recent weeks but they put a stop to the drop by beating the Bulls - who were table toppers at the time 16-11.

While the Blues have a strong record against the Highlanders in Auckland they have only won 17% of their matches their opponents the Highlanders have won 71% of their matches this season.

The Bookies have given the Blues a 4 point start for this match - with an offer of Bet 5 and Get 50 in Bets. The Highlanders should edge this one as the Blues confidence has been weak all year and it took another blow last week. Highlanders should edge it by three.

This match will be shown on TV in NZ, Aus, SA and in the UK on Sky Sports 4/HD.

Average score: Blues 28 Highlanders 20

Last five results
20 Apr 2012 Blues v Highlanders 27-30 2:2 1-4 Dunedin
17 Jun 2011 Blues v Highlanders 33-16 3:2 4-0 Auckland
29 Apr 2011 Blues v Highlanders 15-10 0:1 4-1 Dunedin
19 Feb 2010 Blues v Highlanders 19-15 3:2 4-1 Dunedin
17 Apr 2009 Blues v Highlanders 26-6 4:0 5-0 Auckland

Blues overall record against Highlanders
Played 19 , Wins 13, Losses 6 , Draws 0

Match No.90: Blues v Highlanders
Date Saturday 26 May
Venue : Auckland
Kick Off local: 19:35
Referee: Glen Jackson
Assistant Ref 1:Nick Briant
Assistant Ref 2:Ben Skeen
TMO : Bryce Lawrence

Teams

Blues

1. Tony Woodcock, 2. James Parsons, 3. Tevita Mailau, 4. Liaki Moli, 5. Filo Paulo, 6. Steven Luatua, 7. Luke Braid (c) / Daniel Braid, 8. Peter Saili / Luke Braid, 9. Alby Mathewson, 10. Gareth Anscombe, 11. Sherwin Stowers, 12. Michael Hobbs, 13. Francis Saili, 14. David Raikuna, 15. Hadleigh Parkes.

Replacements: 16. Tom McCartney, 17. Angus Ta'avao, 18. Ali Williams, 19. Daniel Braid / Peter Saili / Dan Pryor, 20. Piri Weepu, 21. Ma'a Nonu, 22. Lachie Munro.

Highlanders

1 Jamie Mackintosh (c) 2 Andrew Hore 3 Ma'afu Fia 4 Jarrad Hoeata 5 Hoani MacDonald 6 Adam Thomson 7 Tim Boys 8 Nick Crosswell 9 Jimmy Cowan 10 Chris Noakes 11 Hosea Gear 12 Phil Burleigh 13 Tamati Ellison 14 Kurt Baker 15 Ben Smith

Replacements : 16 Jason Rutledge 17 Bronson Murray 18 Josh Bekhuis 19 Scott Fuglistaller 20 Aaron Smith 21 Mike Delany 22 Kenny Lynn