Darry Worthington previews the six Round 10 Mitre Cup games that are being played between Friday the 11th of October and Sunday the 13th.
We’re in for a frenzied round of Mitre 10 Cup rugby this coming weekend with both tiers last semi-final berths yet to be decided, as well as the battle to avoid the Championship wooden spoon still ongoing.
Taranaki v Auckland
Friday 11 October
Eden Park
Yarrow Stadium
To Win (80 Mins)
Taranaki 15/10
Draw 20/1
Auckland 11/20
This game is of vital importance to both teams with a win for Taranaki securing them a Championship semi-final berth while a win for Auckland would give them a sniff at a Premiership semi although they would need North Harbour to lose to Canterbury later in the weekend.
Both teams head into this one in rather patchy form with Taranaki having lost five of their last six fixtures and Auckland having lost three of their last five fixtures.
The two sides suffered contrasting fortunes last weekend with Auckland hammering Southland 64-7 and Taranaki going down 38-19 to Waikato.
Verdict: Auckland 11/20
I simply cannot see Taranaki getting one over what will be a desperate Auckland outfit.
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Hawkes’ Bay v Tasman
Saturday 12 October
McLean Park
03:35
To Win (80 Mins)
Hawke’s Bay 51/20
Draw 20/1
Tasman 3/10
Hawke’s Bay will be looking to secure top spot on the Championship when they take on Premiership log-leaders and champions-elect, Tasman.
Both teams have enjoyed solid season with the hosts having only suffered one defeat and Tasman unbeaten.
Last weekend saw Tasman beat Northland 52-6 while Hawke’s Bay registered a 10-22 win over Counties.
Verdict: Tasman 3/10
While there’s no huge value here I can’t see Tasman losing to Hawke’s Bay as they want to keep their unbeaten streak headed into next weekend’s semi-finals.
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Manawatu v Counties Manakau
Saturday 12 October
Central Energy Trust Arena
06:05
To Win (80 Mins)
Manawatu 9/20
Draw 20/1
Counties 37/20
Manawatu will be looking to keep their slim hopes of a Championship semi-final alive when they take on a Counties Manakau side who had their relegation to the Championship confirmed last weekend after their 10-22 home defeat to Hawke’s Bay.
Manawatu also fared poorly last weekend going down 46-10 to Bay of Plenty. Their form has dropped terribly since All Black Ngani Laumape was omitted from the squad.
Verdict: Manawatu 11/20
Even if Laumape doesn’t return to the squad the Turbos should still have far too much firepower for a poor Counties side.
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Wellington v Waikato
Saturday 12 October
Westpac Stadium
08:35
To Win (80 Mins)
Wellington 2/9
Draw 25/1
Waikato 33/10
Wellington will be looking to sew-up a home semi-final when they take on a Waikato side with the slimmest of chances of making the semis.
The hosts had been in sensational form up until last weekend where their six-game winning streak was ended by North Harbour, who beat them 42-34.
Waikato fared far better in Round 9 as they registered a 38-19 victory over Taranaki.
Verdict: Wellington 2/9
This should be a highly entertaining game with both sides not afraid to give the ball air. I fancy Wellington to come out on top in an entertaining fixture.
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Northland v Otago
Sunday 13 October
Semenoff Stadium
03:05
To Win (80 Mins)
Northland 9/2
Draw 25/1
Otago 2/13
Northland will be looking to avoid the Championship wooden spoon by claiming a couple of points from their clash with already confirmed Championship semi-finalist, Otago.
The visitors have very little to play for here as they can’t finish any higher than third-place on the log. As such, they may well elect to field a weakened side so as to keep their big guns fresh and ready for the semi-finals.
Verdict: Northland 9/2
They’ve been appalling this term but I fancy Northland to end their campaign on a high note.
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Canterbury v North Harbour
Sunday 13 October
Rugby League Park
05:35
To Win (80 Mins)
Canterbury 1/6
Draw 25/1
North Harbour 17/4
Canterbury and North Harbour will lock horns in the final game of the round-robin phase. The hosts are assured of a semi-final berth but could steal a home semi should Wellington slip up earlier in the weekend. North Harbour, on the other hand, will need to win this one to qualify for the play-offs should Auckland beat Taranaki on Friday.
Both teams registered solid results in Round 9 with Canterbury beating Otago by ten-points to claim the Ranfurly Shield, and North Harbour springing something of a surprise by beating an in-form Wellington outfit by eight points.
Verdict: Canterbury 1/6
Canterbury should have no problems claiming the victory on home soil.
Written by Darry Worthington for Hollywoodbets
