Waikato vs Canterbury
NPC rugby is back after a month off due to the Covid outbreak in New Zealand. Waikato was in great form before the break as they clocked up two wins from two. The break could not have come at a better time for Canterbury as they lost against Auckland and scrapped a home win against Manuwatu. This match up always seems to go down to the wire as the last few matches have seen the teams victorious by less than seven points. Waikato provided the comeback of the season in their last match when they came from 34-7 at halftime to win the match. They have great attacking threats in the team but none more so than Mosese Dawai. He has been electric this season and Canterbury will need to keep a close eye on him if they want to win.
TIP: Canterbury is struggling with injuries and national call ups and their depth is being severely tested. They seem to have unearthed a star in winger Chay Fihaki. His a star for the future and he showed his pace and power in the last match when he scored two tries. The Waikato team love running the ball but they will need to first stand up to a strong Canterbury team with the likes of Luke Romano and Ollie Jager in the pack. Canterbury has struggled in attack with new number 10 Fergus Burke. His not yet in sync with his teammates. The bookies have Waikato has the favourite but I’m going for the Canterbury in an upset victory. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 2.35, Playabets 2.27 and Sunbet 2.23
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Waikato vs Canterbury
- In the last five matches there have three wins for Canterbury and two for Waikato.
- Waikato has won the last two matches between these sides.
- The last time Waikato lost at home to Canterbury was in 2016.
Latest results for both teams
Waikato won their last match 43-37 against Wellington while Canterbury beat Manuwatu 25-22 in their last match.
PREDICTION
This match is especially vital for Canterbury as they can ill afford a second loss. They will need their experienced players like Romano and Mckay to show their Super Rugby pedigree. The Waikato team has dangerous ball runners across the park so Burke and Drummond will need to be deadly accurate with their kicking. The Canterbury team so often relies on their forwards for dominance but injuries to key players have severly weakened their pack. Waikato will look to take advantage of the weaker Canterbury pack especially when they want to launch their driving maul. This will be a tight game and I predict a Canterbury win by 3 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 Mckay J,14 Fihaki C. 13 Ennor B. 12 Poihipi R. 11 Punivai N. 10 Burke F. 9 Drummond M. 8 Stowers H. 7 Kellow C6 Allen L. 5 Darry S. 4 Romano L. 3 Jager O. 2 Klein S. 1 Brewis F.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Canterbury victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 2.35
Playabets 2.27
Sunbet 2.23
Odds comparison on the Canterbury handicap :
The complete odds on the Canterbury handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+3.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+3.5) 1.82
Playabets (+2.5) 1.87
Predictions and Odds in details
The desperation of the Canterbury team makes me believe that they will win this match. The man that can ignite them is Drummond and he has over the years been the catalyst for both the Crusaders and Canterbury. He needs to be accurate with his box kicking as he has excellent backline runners like Punivai and Fihaki. Waikato has one of the most promising number 10s in Fletcher Smith. He has a superb running game and excellent game management. Canterbury will need to keep a close eye on him. There is excellent return for punters on the upset Canterbury win but if you want a safe vet then I suggest taking them on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+3.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+3.5) 1.82 and Playabets (+2.5) 1.87
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.
