Bay of Plenty vs Auckland
Bay of Plenty plays host to the might of Auckland in this opening round match in the NPC tournament. The home side will be looking to get their season of to a winning start while the visitors will be out for revenge after losing the corresponding fixture last season.
The defeat ended a streak of six consecutive wins over the Bay. Both teams will look to go one better than season when they lost in the semifinals. Auckland in particular will want to erase the memory of their 54-19 loss as it was their heaviest ever defeat in a knockout match.
TIP: BOP have become famous for their ball in hand approach and will do well to stay away from the dangerous forwards of Auckland led by Akira Ioane. The home team will be looking to run the ball at every opportunity with the impressive Caleb Trask controlling the game either at flyhalf or fullback. The visitors have their own dangerous backs led by AJ Lam on the wing. The bookies have Auckland as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.60, Gbets 1.61 and Hollywoodbets 1.63
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Bay of Plenty vs Auckland
- Auckland have won six of the last seven matches between these sides.
- Bay of Plenty won 21-17 the last time the sides met.
Latest results for both teams
Bay of Plenty lost 24-10 to Canterbury in their last match while Auckland lost 54-19 to Wellington in their last match.
PREDICTION
The first match of the season usually sees players experiencing issues with their defensive pattern and attacking lines, this could favor Auckland as they seem to have the stronger scrum. The home team will need their maul defence to be in top form as the visitors use this as a major weapon. Auckland will look to the likes of Ioane and Lam to bring their Super Rugby experience to the newer players in the squad. BOP have often played in the shadows of Auckland but the victory last season will give them new found confidence for this match. I am predicting an away win by 6 points.
Probable Starting XVs( TBC)
Bay of Plenty
Auckland
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Auckland victory are as follows:
Betway 1.60
Gbets 1.61
Hollywoodbets 1.63
Odds comparison on the Auckland handicap:
The complete odds on the Auckland handicap:
Betway 1.90(-4.5)
Gbets 1.87 (-4.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-4.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Auckland outright win but if you looking for better odds then we suggest the away team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: The complete odds on the Auckland handicap: Betway 1.90 (-4.5), Gbets 1.87 (-4.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-4.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Tasman vs Otago
Taranaki vs Counties Manukau
Scotland vs France
Ireland vs Italy
Argentina vs South Africa
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Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
