Hawkes Bay vs Otago
Hawkes Bay welcomes Otago to Napier for this 4th round match in the Bunnings NPC. The home team are flying high as they have won their opening three matches to jointly lead the table. All three of their wins have been tight affairs with the margins of victory being three points or less. Otago on the other hand have had the opposite start and are still looking for their first win. Their biggest problem has been their toothless attack with the experiment of playing Sam Gilbert at flyhalf failing miserably. The home team will fancy their chances of going four from four thereby topping the log.
TIP: Hawkes Bay rested many of their regulars like Devan Flanders and Chase Tiatia during their midweek win over Waikato but they are back to full strength for this encounter. The swapping of their international scrum halves continues in this match as Brad Weber starts and Fakatava is on the bench. Otago have been left with no choice but to make changes and it is hoped that Cameron Millar comes in at ten with Gilbert moving back to full back. The bookies Hawkes Bay as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.33, Gbets 1.34 and Hollywoodbets 1.34
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Hawkes Bay vs Otago
- Hawkes Bay has won three of the last four matches between the sides.
- Otago won the last match between the sides 18-13.
Latest results for both teams
Hawkes Bay beat Waikato 35-32 in their last match while Otago lost 28-5 to Wellington in their last match.
PREDICTION
The home team will be delighted with their three wins although they have failed to hit top form as yet. They overcame a huge deficit in their last match and will want a better start in this match. Otago will be looking to Jona Nareki to regain his form as the flyer has struggled since coming back from a long-term injury. Prior to his injury he was being touted as a possible All Blacks bolter but seems to have lost a yard of pace. Hawkes Bay can thank their rock solid defence for their success as their attack remain a work in progress. I am predicting a home win by 4 points
Probable Starting XVs
Hawkes Bay
1. P. Rakete-Stones 2. K. Kereru-Symes 3. I. Salmon 4. F. Lochore 5. T. Allen 6. J. Gimblett 7. J. Kaifa 8. M. Mikaele Tu’u 9. B. Weber 10. L. Mcclutchie 11. J. Lowe 12. C. Tiatia 13. N. Grigg 14. P. Balekana 15. C. Makene
Otago
1. R. Wingham 2. H. Bell 3. S. Ma’u 4. J. Dickson 5. W. Tucker 6. S. Fischli 7. S. Withy 8. C. Lio-Willie 9. J. Arscott 10. S. Gilbert 11. J. Nareki 12. T. Umaga-Jensen 13. J. Te Hiwi 14. J. Whaanga 15. F. Hurley
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Hawkes Bay victory are as follows:
Betway 1.33
Gbets 1.34
Hollywoodbets 1.34
Odds comparison on the Otago handicap:
The complete odds on the Otago handicap:
Betway 1.90 (+8.5)
Gbets 1.87 (+8.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+8.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Hawkes Bay outright win but if you looking for better odds then we suggest the away team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (+8.5), Gbets 1.87 (+8.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+8.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Bayonne vs Toulouse
Racing 92 vs Bordeaux
Lyon vs Toulon
Wales vs South Africa
Ireland vs England
Northland vs Tasman
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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.
