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PREVIEW: NPC play-off race heating up as Auckland host Tasman and Wellington face Hawke’s Bay

Things are heating up as the NPC play-off race heats up. This week Darry Worthington previews Tasman’s trip to Auckland as well as Wellington v Hawke’s Bay.

Canterbury V Taranaki - NPC
Image Copyright - Steve Haag Sports

Things are heating up as the NPC play-off race heats up. This week Darry Worthington previews Tasman’s trip to Auckland as well as Wellington v Hawke’s Bay.

Two women looking excitedly at cellphone

The NPC is entering the regular season home stretch with only three rounds remaining until the quarter-finals.

Things are pretty tight on both conference logs with only three teams realistically out of the running for play-off berths.

Our rugby scribe takes a look at the choice games for Round 8 and also gives his tips for the remaining fixtures.

Saturday 17 September

Auckland 27/100 | Draw 25/1 | Tasman 29/10 (06:35)

Auckland will be looking to close the gap on Evens Conference leaders, Canterbury, when they take on a Tasman side that could vastly improve their hopes of securing a home quarter-final by bagging a win here.

The hosts enjoyed a fast start to the competition winning three on the trot before going down by four points at home to Otago. They have endured a patchy run of form since winning only one of their last three games with their latest result being last weekend’s 30-15 defeat to a Waikato side that completely outclassed them.

Tasman have experienced a polar opposite start to the season with the Mako getting off their campaign off to a slow start before bursting into life. The Mako only won one of their opening four fixtures with the win coming over whipping boys Southland.

They have been in decent form since then, however, beating Manawatu 26-36 and Taranaki 38-27 while going down 19-25 to Wellington in a game they could have well won.

I think Auckland will come good here. They had a shocker last week and they will be determined to bounce back from it.

Hawke’s Bay 9/20 | Draw 21/1 | Wellington 19/10 (09:05)

The next fixture we’ll take a look at should have a massive bearing on the quarter-finals make up. Odds Conference second place sitters Hawke’s Bay taking on a Wellington side that is level on conference points with them but sit a place below them due to points differential.

The hosts have enjoyed a stellar season winning four and drawing one of their seven games. They head into this one off the back of a mammoth attacking performance as well as they beat Southland 69-24.

After a patchy start, Wellngton have found some form with the Lions winning their last four fixtures. They impressed during their last outing as well, running out 19-25 victors away to Tasman.

It was only a matter of time until this star-studded Wellington outfit found their mojo. I reckon they’ll keep the good times rolling this weekend at 

Round 8 Tips

Taranaki to beat Manawatu @ 1/7
Canterbury to beat Counties @ 1/9
Bay of Plenty to beat Southland (betting tba)
Waikato to beat Otago (betting tba)
Northland to beat North Harbor @ 21/20

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