Taranaki vs Counties Manukau
Defending champions Taranaki and Counties Manukau clash in the opening round of the 2024 NPC competition. The home side have retained most of the players that won the title last season and will want to start their defence with a win. The visitors had a disappointing campaign last season and will start the season without their star player Etene Nanai-Seturo who is still injured. One of the keys to Taranaki success last season was the emergence of young flyhalf Josh Jacomb. He will be a marked man this time round and can expect plenty of traffic down his channel.
TIP: The man with the most to prove in the Counties team will be number eight Hoskins Sotutu. Despite being the leading try scorer in Super Rugby, he was once again overlooked by the national selectors. His battle with the likes of Kaylum Boshier and Michael Loft promises to be one of the highlights of the match. The match is likely to be decided by the forwards and the home team have the advantage in this area. 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 1.20, Betway 1.20 and Bettabets 1.20
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Taranaki vs Counties Manukau
- Counties have won just one of the last eight matches against Tasman.
- The last two matches between the sides has seen Tasman come out victorious.
Latest results for both teams
This is the first match of the season for both teams.
PREDICTION
The key for the home side will be exciting halfback combination of Jacomb and Adam Lennox. Both players have explosive speed but it will their ability to link up the backline that includes flyers Kini Naholo and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens. Both players enjoyed great Super Rugby seasons and are deadly when given any space. The visitors will need to be proactive with ball in hand and avoid too many set pieces as Taranaki have an excellent scrum and lineout led by Ricky Riccitelli. Counties need to be accurate with their out of hand kicking as the Taranaki back three are great counter attackers. I am predicting a home win by 17 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Taranaki
15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Vereniki Tikoisolomone, 13 Josh Setu, 12 Meihana Grindlay, 11 Kini Naholo, 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
Counties Manukau
1. Kauvaka Kaivelata, 2. Zuriel Togiatama, 3. Suetena Asomua, 4. Jimmy Tupou, 5. James Thompson, 6. Leo Ngatai-Tafau, 7. Adam Brash, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Liam Daniela, 10. Riley Hohepa, 11. Peniasi Malimali, 12. Gibson Popoali’i, 13. Blake Makiri, 14. Joshua Gray, 15. Simon-Peter Toleafoa
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Taranaki victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 1.20
Betway 1.20
Bettabets 1.20
Odds comparison on the Taranaki handicap:
The complete odds on the Taranaki handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (-12.5)
Betway 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 away team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.90 (-12.5), Betway 1.87 (-12.5) and Bettabets 1.89 (-12.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
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North Harbour vs Hawkes Bay
Australia vs South Africa
NZ vs Argentina
Sharks vs Griquas
Bulls vs Griffons
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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.
