The traditional Kiwi powerhouses came through their quarter-finals with Wellington, Auckland and Canterbury all securing wins. They’re joined in the semis by an impressive Bay of Plenty outfit. Darry Worthington previews.
Friday 14 October
Wellington 49/100 | Draw 22/1 | Auckland 7/4 (08:05)
What a way to kick off the semi-finals weekend! Two star-studded sides packed with current and ex-All Blacks squaring off at the Westpac is pretty good going for a provincial final.
Wellington, with their grizzled former All Black veterans and national team outsiders, head into this one as favourites with the bookmakers at the start of the week. And rightly so, considering they are on an eight-match winning streak.
Their latest victory was a solid one as they beat a good Hawke’s Bay outfit 28-21 in the quarters. They were made to work extremely hard for their victory, but there will be some concerns. They coughed up an 18-0 lead, letting Hawke’s Bay back into the game.
Like Wellington, Auckland were made to work hard for their 21-18 victory over neighbours North Harbour with an injury-time Harry Plummer penalty proving to be the difference between the sides.
This should be a titanic struggle, and I reckon it will be cagey as they come. Wellington have the edge here. They’re on a cracking run and should get the job done at home.
Saturday 14 October
Canterbury 2/7 | Draw 25/1 | Bay of Plenty 28/10 (08:05)
We head over to Canterbury for the second semi-final. Canterbury, the most successful team in the history of New Zealand domestic rugby, take on a Bay of Plenty side that will be looking to cause a massive upset.
Like Wellington and Auckland, Canterbury were given a real run for their money in the quarter-finals with Northland staying in the fight right until the end of the game. Fergus Burke’s boot was the difference maker for Canterbury with the pivot kicking three penalties and two conversions in a composed display.
Bay of Plenty were probably the most impressive of all the teams in the quarter-finals with the Steamers recording a comfortable 27-34 win over a handy Waikato outfit. The margin would have looked far cushier if it were not for a late consolation try from Waikato.
While Bay of Plenty could give the hosts a game, Canturbury should prove too strong. I’m backing them to win and setup a dream final against Wellington.
