Darry Worthington previews two matches from this weekend’s NPC action as Northland host Auckland and Hawke’s Bay travel to Canterbury.
The NPC has certainly been a thrill a minute this year with big upsets being a recurring theme in New Zealand’s provincial top tier.
Last weekend went more according to script with the only major shock being Counties’ 13-18 win over Bay of Plenty.
This weekend could see a return of the upset, however, with some tasty derbies on the go including a clash between Northland and Auckland.
We take an in-depth look at that fixture as well as the clash between Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay.
Saturday 3 September
To Win Match
Northland 22/10 | Draw 21/1 | Auckland 38/100
There is no doubt that this game should be an absolute cracker with both these sides enjoying very tidy starts to their respective campaigns.
Northland made it three wins from four starts this past weekend as they beat a dogged Southland side 32-19. The star of the show was halfback Lisati Milo-Harris who sent Northland on their way to a win by scoring the opening two tries of the game.
Auckland also enjoyed a solid weekend out with this weekend’s visitors making it four wins from five starts, as they beat Otago 35-17. It was a decent result for them considering a number of their big-name players, who were available for their Round 3 fixture, had to return to the All Black camp.
Verdict: Auckland 38/100
The handicap is likely to be around the 6/7 point mark and I reckon Auckland will clear that with a second-half surge.
Sunday 4 September
To Win Match
Canterbury 26/100 | Draw 25/1 | Hawke’s Bay 3/1
Next up we’ve got another one of the big boys of New Zealand’s domestic rugby scene, Canterbury, taking on a Hawke’s Bay side that has gone extremely well so far this term.
Both teams head into this one off the back of wins with Hawke’s Bay edging a 25-23 victory over North Harbour thanks to an extremely late penalty from Lincoln McClutchie, while Canterbury had things a lot easier as they cantered to a 20-52 derby win over Tasman.
The hosts for Saturday are playing midweek so they may well be slightly fatigued when they come into Sunday’s game. However, they do have a big squad that is capable of dealing with two games in a week.
Verdict: Hawke’s Bay 26/100
I think Hawke’s Bay will give Canterbury a run but will end up just short. As such, the plus line is my call for this one.
Tips
Tasman Win v Manawatu @ 1/25
Taranaki Win v Waikato @ 21/10
Wellington Win v Southland @ 39/100
Bay of Plenty Win v Otago @ 98/100
