An Injury to a Key Highlanders Player Is Forcing the Team to Rethink Its Tactics. How Are Bettors Reacting?

Highlanders matches in 2026 will be less predictable. Without Fabian Holland, the club is radically changing its approach. Betting platforms are responding accordingly

Highlanders Without Holland in Super Rugby and the Impact on Mobile Betting Adjustments

The Super Rugby season begins with a serious test for the Dunedin team. The absence of one of the Highlanders' key forwards has become the big news of the current round. One of the most promising second row players, Fabian Holland, is forced to miss a significant part of the tournament due to a dislocated shoulder. The information was confirmed by the club after a medical examination.

The news quickly spread across specialized rugby resources. It affected not only analytical forecasts but also bettors' assessment of the matches. Bets underwent serious adjustments in a short period of time. After all, most bettors currently track news and influence statistics through mobile services. Many users follow lineup updates and shifting odds through tools such as apk 1xbet download, which provide access to live markets and team information. So, Holland's absence is not just information noise, but a factor that has quite measurable consequences on the field.

Who is Holland and Why is He So Important to the Highlanders?

Fabian Holland is a professional rugby player who plays lock. He was born in the Netherlands but has lived in New Zealand since 2019. Therefore, he represents the national team and the Highlanders in Super Rugby. He made his debut with the team in 2022. In May 2025, he signed a new three-year contract until the end of 2028. Thanks to his height of 204 cm, weight of 124 kg, and powerful play, he was named Forward of the Year and Defender of the Year in 2025. That same year, he was recognized as the best young player of the year by World Rugby.  His performances have drawn significant attention across rugby media platforms and sports apps, including the 1xbet app, where his impact in Super Rugby fixtures is frequently reflected in match analysis and statistics.

Holland's key role is based on three factors:

• Control of the corridors. Holland was the main jumper. Without him, the Highlanders lose their advantage in throw-ins, allowing their opponents to take the initiative more effectively.

• Physical pressure in rucks. Fabian's ability to quickly get to the ball ensured the team a clean exit from attack phases. The player's effectiveness in clearing rucks was over 85%.

• Mobility in defense. Holland did a tremendous amount of groundwork, covering areas where faster backline players usually operate.

That is why the news of his injury and withdrawal from the competition schedule was a painful blow to the team and fans. Holland's absence from the current Super Rugby season creates a huge gap in the Highlanders' defense. Less experienced players are now forced to fill it.

Injury and Coaching Staff Decision

The Highlanders' medical department confirmed that Fabian Holland's shoulder dislocation was more serious than initially predicted. The joint injury requires surgery and a long period of rehabilitation, which effectively rules the player out for most of the Super Rugby season. This has forced head coach Clarke Dermody to urgently review the forwards' tactical model.

The coaching staff's decision focused on integrating young players, specifically Will Tucker and Max Hicks. They are expected to compensate for the loss of physical power in the second row. However, the coach acknowledges that it is impossible to replace a player with Holland's anthropometry and experience with one person. Therefore, the team plans to change the structure of the corridor play, relying on the speed of passes and mobility rather than the static strength of the moles.

How Does Fabian's Absence Affect the Team's Play?

A comparison of the Highlanders’ performances with and without Holland produces the following table:

These figures confirm that Holland's loss is a significant blow to the team's prospects ahead of Super Rugby.

Main Rivals and Balance of Power in Super Rugby in 2026

New Zealand teams traditionally dominate Super Rugby Pacific. However, the loss of Holland makes the Highlanders quite vulnerable. Especially in matches against the big three. According to analytics, the main favorites for the title remain:

• Crusaders. The reigning champions. Even despite their defeat to the Highlanders at the latter's home ground in Dunedin, they remain the main contenders for the tournament victory. The return of Leicester Faing'a'anuku to the Crusaders and the stability of the squad make them the most balanced force in the league.

• Blues in Auckland. Representing the country's largest region. A team with enormous financial resources and access to the largest pool of young talent.

• Chiefs from Hamilton. A club renowned for its aggressive tactics and consistent presence in the final stages of the tournament over the past decades.

In addition, among the potential favorites of the season are:

• Hurricanes. The team focuses on an aggressive style of rugby. According to experts, they are serious about finally getting rid of their status as eternal runners-up.

• Moana Pasifika. This team was the main discovery of the start of the 2026 season. The players defeated Fijian Drua with a score of 40:26. Their physical power could become a critical problem for the Highlanders, who lost their main power forward.

So, in summary, it can be said that the 2026 season is turning into a serious test for the Highlanders, not only from a tournament point of view, but also from a strategic one. The absence of Fabian Holland has exposed the weaknesses of the second row. Previously, these were compensated for by his physicality, set piece work, and defensive stability. But now the team is forced to play more cautiously, adapt during matches, and avoid scenarios where physical pressure becomes decisive.

For analysts, fans, and bettors, this makes Highlanders matches less predictable. And for the players themselves, it increases the price of every wrong decision.

As for betting on the Highlanders, now is the time to review the statistics and information, and make the necessary adjustments. However, the most important thing to remember is to approach betting responsibly. After all, no sports betting should affect your daily life.