Manawatu vs Tasman
Manawatu kick off their NPC campaign when they welcome Tasman to Palmerston North. The home side will be looking for a massive improvement from last season when they only won two of their 10 matches to finish second last. The visitors made the playoffs last season but will be looking to go one better and claim the title. They certainly have the personnel to do so with the likes of All Black David Havili in the team. Manawatu will be looking to their star player Brayden Iose to continue the excellent form he showed for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby.
TIP: The Tasman team have plenty of big name stars like Timoci Tavatavanawai and David Havili to trouble the Turbos. If the visitors can get off to a quick start, then the home side could be in for a long afternoon. Manawatu have made some interesting selection calls with former fullback Drew Wild being asked to fill the outside center position. His pace could come in handy if he is given space with the ball. The bookies have Tasman as favorites and I am also backing them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.28, Betway 1.28 and Bettabets 1.28
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Manawatu vs Tasman
- Tasman have won the last four matches between the sides.
- The last time Manawatu beat Tasman was in 2017.
Latest results for both teams
This is the first match of the season for both teams.
PREDICTION
The Turbos have one of the more exciting halfbacks combinations with Brett Cameron and Jordi Viljoen pulling the strings. The former has a great Super Rugby tournament while the latter is certainly a star for the future. Tasman may not have the superb forward power of previous seasons but they have a powerful back three of Macca Springer, Fijian Tavatavanawai and Jack Gray. Manawatu will need their out of hand kicking game to be on point as all three of these players are deadly on the counter attack. If the home side can at least gain parity in the set pieces then we could be in for close contest. I am predicting a Tasman win by 6 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Manawatu
15 Sam Coles, 14 Ataata Moeakiola, 13 Drew Wild, 12 Jason Emery, 11 Kyle Brown, 10 Brett Cameron, 09 Jordi Viljoen, 08 Brayden Iose, 07 Johan Momsen, 06 TK Howden, 05 Stan vanden Hoven, 04 Lachlan Shaw, 03 Misinale Epenisa, 02 Raymond Tuputupu, 01 Joe Gavigan
Tasman
15 Macca Springer, 14 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13 William Butler, 12 David Havili, 11 Jack Gray, 10 William Havili, 09 Finlay Christie, 08 Fletcher Anderson, 07 Sione Havili Talitui, 06 Max Hicks, 05 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 04 Quinten Strange, 03 Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 02 Samiuela Moli, 01 Ryan Coxon
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Tasman victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 1.28
Betway 1.28
Bettabets 1.28
Odds comparison on the Manawatu handicap:
The complete odds on the Manawatu handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (+10.5)
Betway 1.87 (+10.5)
Bettabets 1.89 (+10.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Tasman 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 (+10.5), Betway 1.87 (+10.5) and Bettabets 1.89 (+10.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
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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.
