Waikato vs Canterbury
Waikato are playing this match away from home due to Covid issues in Hamilton and that already is a disadvantage to them. Both teams come into this match with good form having won their last two fixtures. Canterbury have scraped in with wins over Tasman and the Bay Of Plenty. They seem to have hit form at the right time and the main reason for their turnaround in fortunes has been veteran Luke Romano and rookie Chay Fihaki. It was Romano’s try against Tasman that sparked their incredible comeback in that match and he continued his great form in the win against the Bay.
TIP: Chay Fihaki is still a young player but in this early stage of his career he looks to have something special. He almost always beats the first defender and has the touch to deliver the magic off load in the tackle. Waikato will need to watch him closely but they have their own rookie sensation in Mosese Dawai. The Fijian has been sensational in his first season and is the danger man in the Waikato backline. He will be up against former All Black Waisake Naholo and this should be an interesting duel. The bookies have Canterbury as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.70, Playabets 1.68 and Sunbet 1.66
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Waikato vs Canterbury
- In the last five matches between the sides there have been four wins for Canterbury and one for Waikato.
- Waikato have lost four of their last five home matches against Canterbury.
- The last match between these two ended in a 20-19 Canterbury win.
Latest results for both teams
Waikato beat Otago 27-25 in their last match while Canterbury beat Bay of Plenty 40-28 in their last match.
PREDICTION
This match would have been advantage Waikato if it was taking place in Hamilton but the experience of the Canterbury side in knockout rugby will stand them in good stead. Canterbury have been lifted by the performances by young players like Fihaki but the emergence of Dallas McLeod has also been a revelation. They have given the opposition defenses plenty to think about and if given space they can be deadly. Waikato knows that they forwards will need to be strong against a team that thrives on forward domination. The forwards and the experience of Canterbury will see them to victory in this match by 8 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Waikato
15 Matty Lansdown, 14 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 13 Bailyn Sullivan, 12 Gideon Wrampling, 11 Mosese Dawai, 10 Fletcher Smith, 9 Xavier Roe, 8 Jack Lam, 7 Mitch Jacobson, 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Laghlan McWhannell, 4 James Tucker, 3 Sefo Kautai, 2 Sekope Lopeti-Moli, 1 Ayden Johnston
Canterbury
15 Chay Fihaki, 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Isaiah Punivai, 12 Dallas McLeod,11 Manasa Mataele, 10 Fergus Burke, 9 Mitch Drummond, 8 Henry Stowers, 7 Mitch Gibson, 6 Reed Prinsep (C), 5 Sam Darry, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Oli Jager, 2 Brodie McAlister, 1 Daniel Lienert Brown
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Canterbury victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.70
Playabets 1.68
Sunbet 1.66
Odds comparison on the Canterbury handicap victory:
The complete odds on the Canterbury handicap victory:
Worldsportsbetting (-2.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-2.5) 1.87
Playabets (-2.5) 1.90
Predictions and Odds in details
The Canterbury teams have always prided themselves on forward domination and no doubt in a tight semi-final they will want to keep the ball amongst their forwards. The Waikato pack is not the strongest going around especially at scrum time and their front row will be severely tested by the Canterbury pack. Waikato will look to their playmaker Fletcher Smith as he is the key to igniting their potent backline. The man that has changed both games when he came on was Mitch Drummond as he showed his experience and skill. There are decent returns on the Canterbury win but I suggest the visitors 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) 1.90
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.
