North Harbour vs Hawkes Bay
Harbour play host to Hawkes Bay in this opening round match of the Bunnings NPC. The home side will be looking for an improvement of their performance of last season when they finished in a lowly 9th position and missed the playoffs. Their opponents in this match will be looking to go one better after losing in the final to Taranaki. Harbour have made a few changes from last season with the big one being the signing Tane Edmed in place of the departed Bryn Gatland. The Waratahs number ten will hold the key to whether he can link up the dangerous backline.
TIP: Hawkes Bay also have a new flyhalf in the shape of Harry Godfrey. The young playmaker looked good in Super Rugby when he turned out for the Hurricanes. The battle between the two flyhalfs stands out as the highlight, considering both players are turning out for the first time for their new teams. Both teams look evenly matches so we should see a close contest. The bookies have North Harbour as favorites and I am also backing them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.80, Betway 1.80 and Bettabets 1.80
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
North Harbour vs Hawkes Bay
- Hawkes Bay have won two of the last three matches between the sides.
- The last three matches have been won by the home side.
Latest results for both teams
This is the first match of the season for both teams.
PREDICTION
It will be interesting to see the way Hawkes Bay plays after losing their key playmaker of the last few seasons, Lincoln McClutchie. He was the glue that held the team together so his replacement Godfrey will have his work cut out. Harbour will be hoping that their star man Shaun Stevenson can regain the form that made him an All Black two seasons ago. He has been battling with injuries throughout the Super Rugby season and has struggled with his form. One of the key areas for the home side will be loose trio that includes the likes of Lotu Inisi and Cameron Suafoa. If these big ball runners can get over the line, then a predict a home win by 5 points.
Probable Starting XVs
North Harbour
15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 Kade Banks, 13 Tom Barham, 12 James Little, 11 Sofai Maka, 10 Tane Edmed, 09 Bryn Hall, 08 Lotu Inisi, 07 Karl Ruzich, 06 Cameron Suafoa, 05 Cameron Christie, 04 Felix Kalapu, 03 Sione Mafileo, 02 Shilo Klein, 01 Tevita Langi
Hawkes Bay
15 Matt Protheroe, 14 Freedom Vaha’akolo, 13 Nick Grigg, 12 Danny Toala, 11 Ben O’Donnell, 10 Harry Godfrey, 09 Folau Fakatava, 08 Josh Kaifa, 07 Sam Smith, 06 Frank Lochore, 05 Tom Parsons, 04 Geoff Cridge,03 Joel Hintz, 02 Jacob Devery, 01 Tim Farrell
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the North Harbour victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 1.80
Betway 1.80
Bettabets 1.80
Odds comparison on the North Harbour handicap:
The complete odds on the North Harbour handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (-2.5)
Betway 1.87 (-2.5)
Bettabets 1.89 (-2.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are decent odds on the North Harbour 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 (-2.5), Betway 1.95 (-2.5) and Bettabets 1.95 (-2.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Auckland vs Wellington
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.
