Manuwatu vs Otago
Manuwatu welcome Otago to Palmerston North for this Championship semifinal. The Turbos come into this match on the back of three consecutive defeats. They had the last weekend off and should come back refreshed for this encounter. Otago also lost their last match, a 27-25 away defeat to Waikato. The home team will sorely miss All Black star Aaron Smith but they have a worthy replacement in Logan Crowley. Otago will look to dominate the Turbos up front especially at scrum time as they have the stronger front row. The Otago teams are on a good run and that last defeat was their first in three matches.
TIP: Since this a knockout game we expect the teams to play safe rugby and not take too many risks but I feel the Turbos best chance of victory is to run the ball. Otago will enjoy a game where there are many stoppages and set pieces as this is their area of strength. They are always strong with their rolling mauls and the home team must find a way to defend these mauls. The Turbos performed at their best early in the season when they took the ball in hand approach and that is what they should do in this match. The bookies have Otago as favourites but I’m going for the upset Turbos win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 2.30, Playabets 2.26 and Sunbet 2.14
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Manuwatu vs Otago
- Otago have won four of the last five matches between these sides.
- Their last meeting was won by the Turbos 27-14.
- Manuwatu have only won one of their last five home matches against Otago.
Latest results for both teams
The Turbos lost their last match 40-31 to Hawkes Bay while Waikato lost 27-25 to Waikato.
PREDICTION
The key to a Turbos win will be Brett Cameron. He started the season like a house on fire but has been quiet in recent weeks and this is the main reason for the home side losing their last three games. If he finds form then he as great attacking players in Nehe Milner –Skudder and Ed Fidow. These players are at their best when given space and Cameron must be able to bring them into the game. Otago have their own superstar 10 in Josh Ioane and he to will want a return to form so he can get his backline moving. This will be a tight contest but the home ground advantage will see the Turbos home by 3 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Manuwatu
15 Nehe Milner -Skudder, 14 Ed Fidow, 13 Tima Fainga’anuku, 12 Josiah Maraku, 11 Taniela Filimone, 10 Brett Cameron, 9 Logan Crowley, 8 Brayden Iose, 7 Shamus Hurley-Langton,6 TK Howden, 5 Liam Mitchell,4 Micaiah Torrance-Read,3 Jared Adams,2 Siua Maile,1 Harrison Allan
Otago
15 Sam Gilbert, 14 Freedom Vahaakolo, 13 Matt Faddes, 12 Patelesio Tomkinson, 11 Vilimoni Koroi, 10 Josh Ioane, 9 Kayne Hammington, 8 Christian Lio-Willie 7. James Lentjes(C), 6 Sam Fischli, 5 Josh Dickson, 4 Joshua Hill, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Josh Hohneck
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Otago victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 2.30
Playabets 2.26
Sunbet 2.14
Odds comparison on the Otago handicap:
The complete odds on the Otago handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+2.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+2.5) 1.87
Playabets (+2.5) 1.83
Predictions and Odds in details
Manuwatu have shown that they are very difficult to beat at home and they will look to their inspirational captain Brayden Iose to once again lead from the front. His a young skipper but has grown as the season has progressed and his battle with his opposite number 8 Christian Lio-Willie will be one of the highlights of the match. Willie has come into the team as stalwart Dylan Nel left to play overseas. He has been outstanding in his first few games and the Turbos will need to watch him closely. There are great odds on the Turbos upset win but if you looking for a safer bet I suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+2.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+2.5) 1.87 and Playabets (+2.5) 1.83
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.
