Taranaki vs Waikato
Defending champions Taranaki play host to Waikato in this Bunnings NPC encounter. The home side have a record of three wins and a loss away to Wellinton. The visitors will be looking for their second away win of the season and will take heart from the fact that they have won on their last two visits to Yarrow Stadium. Taranaki have won their last seven home matches but will need to extend that record without the services of Kini Naholo and Captain Kaylum Boshier who are both injured. Waikato will be banking on the experience of former All Black Aaron Cruden to get them the upset win.
TIP: The home side struggled in attack in the last match against Otago mainly because young star Josh Jacomb was moved to the fullback position. He is back in his familiar ten position and will no doubt bring plenty of threat to the visitors. Waikato have been playing a fantastic running brand of rugby but it remains to be seen if they can continue with this their open style of play against a powerful Taranaki pack. The bookies have Taranaki as favorites and I am also backing them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.18, SoccerShop 1.18 and Bettabets 1.18
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Taranaki vs Waikato
- There last four matches between the sides has seen two wins apiece.
- The away side have won the last three matches between the sides.
Latest results for both teams
Taranaki beat Otago 22-18 in their last match while Waikato beat Northland 34-19 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Taranaki backline remains potent despite missing Naholo, the likes of Daniel Rona and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens are dangerous if they are given space to run in. Waikato will need to be accurate with their kicking game as the home side are excellent counter attackers that involves backs and forwards. The match is likely to feature plenty of tries as both teams love throwing the ball around. The key man for Taranaki will be Jacomb as the playmaker controls everything in attack. His battle with opposite number Cruden will likely decide the outcome of the match. I am predicting a Taranaki win by more than 13 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Taranaki
15 Obey Samate, 14 Vereniki Tikoisolomone, 13 Josh Setu, 12 Daniel Rona, 11 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 10 Josh Jacomb, 09 Adam Lennox, 08 Kaylum Boshier, 07 Michael Loft, 06 Scott Jury, 05 Tom Franklin, 04 Fiti Sa, 03 Reuben O’Neill, 02 Ricky Riccitelli, 01 Jared Proffit
Waikato
15 Joshua Moorby, 14 Newton Tudreu, 13 Bailyn Sullivan, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Gideon Wrampling, 10 Aaron Cruden , 09 Xavier Roe, 08 Patrick McCarran, 07 Oli Mathis, 06 Malachi Wrampling-Alec, 05 Laghlan McWhannell, 04 James Tucker, 03 George Dyer, 02 Manaaki Boyle-Tiatia, 01 Ollie Norris
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Taranaki victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 1.18
SoccerShop 1.18
Bettabets 1.18
Odds comparison on the Taranaki handicap:
The complete odds on the Taranaki handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (-12.5)
Soccershop 1.87 (-12.5)
Bettabets 1.89 (-12.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Taranaki outright win therefore we suggest the home team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.90 (-12.5),Soccershop 1.87 (-12.5) and Bettabets 1.89 (-12.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Bay of Plenty vs Manawatu
Auckland vs North Harbour
South Africa vs New Zealand
Argentina vs Australia
Hawkes Bay vs Tasman
Sharks vs Bulls
For more daily predictions join our Telegram channel https://t.me/+1qcZnUtqP5djMjg8
We recommend registering with Tic Tac Bets, and you will receive a 100% first deposit match of up to 2000 ZAR.
How to Register
- Log onto the Tic Tac Bets site at www.TicTacBets.co.za
- Click on the Green “Join Now” Button at the top right of the page
- You need to complete the registration form that requires importance personal information and you mobile number
- An OTP code will be sent to your mobile, please enter this code and accept the terms and conditions.
- Click on the “Submit’ Button” to complete the registration process
- Once you finish registering, contact Tic Tac Bets to activate your sign up bonus
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.
