Regular season table-toppers Auckland will be looking to continue racking up the wins when they take on Wellington on Saturday the 20th of October.
Auckland and Wellington will square off on Saturday in the second Premiership semi-final. Both sides have enjoyed immaculate seasons with Auckland topping the Premiership standings and Wellington advancing to the semi-finals on their return to the top tier of New Zealand domestic rugby.
Auckland v Wellington
Saturday 20 October
Eden Park
To Win (80 Mins)
Auckland 31/50
Draw 22/1
Wellington 4/3
Auckland
What a season it’s been for Auckland. The union almost dropped out of the Championship last season but have responded spectacularly finishing the 2018 regular season at the top of the Premiership standings while only suffering one defeat – a shock loss to Championship outfit Otago.
Key to Auckland’s has been their attacking prowess. The hosts for this weekend’s encounter were once again in scintillating form with ball-in-hand last weekend as they beat North Harbour 45-29. They will need to sure up their defence this weekend, however, as they are taking on a dangerous Wellington side.
Wellington
The Lions have enjoyed a great return to the premiership as they managed to book a semi-final. They struggled at times this season but still managed to win six of their ten games. They also gave a good account of themselves when they met Auckland earlier in the season going down 24-29 in a hotly contested clash.
Wellington head into this one off the back of an impressive 10-34 victory over Taranaki. The game marked a return for All Black hooker Dane Coles, who was extremely industrious when he came on. And while he’s unlikely to start this one, he will definitely make an impact off the bench.
Verdict: Wellington 4/3
I just get this feeling that Auckland are going to slip up here. The pressure is on them and they usually wilt when the heat is on. As such, I’ll be having a small strike on the away win.
