Auckland will look to retain their unbeaten streak in the tournament when they play host to Otago on Friday the 28th of September.
Championship leaders Auckland will be looking to further entrench themselves at the top of the Premiership standings when they take on an Otago side trying to further their chances of a Championship semi-final.
Auckland v Otago
Friday 28 September
Eden Park
09:35
To Win (80 Mins)
Auckland 2/13
Draw 28/1
Otago 9/2
Auckland
The Premiership table-toppers were given an almighty scare by Taranaki last week as two late tries almost ended the Aucklanders unbeaten streak. In a touch of irony, young Blues star Steven Perofeta had the chance to win the game for Taranaki but the fly-half fluffed the conversion attempt twice which allowed Auckland to win the game 30-31.
This is a big week for Auckland as a bonus point win over Otago would all but assure the Premiership leaders a home semi-final berth with two round to spare. They have the quality to bag the full five-point haul but they will need to ensure they don’t go into their shells due to the pressure.
Otago
Like Auckland, this game will have a massive bearing on Otago’s season with the Championship outfit needing to bag a victory to ensure they remain in the hunt for a home semi-final. If they can’t manage to pull off a win, they will want to take at least one bonus point from this game as it would see them remain at least two points clear of fifth-placed Bay of Plenty.
This weekend’s visitors were well beaten in Round 6 going down 25-47 to reigning Premiership champions, Canterbury. The defeat put an end to their three-game winning streak which saw them beat Manawatu, Northland, and Southland.
Verdict: Auckland 2/13
I’m expecting a more fluid performance from the Aucklanders here. They were slightly out of sync last week but they’re too good a side to put in two poor displays in succession. My money is on the hosts taking this one by 17 points or more.
