Taranaki vs Otago
Taranaki take on Otago in the Championship final. The winner of this match usually gains promotion to the Premiership but this season due to Covid there is no relegations or promotions. Taranaki have been brilliant all season while Otago has hit form at the right time of the season. The return of Liam Coltman is one of the main reasons for Otago’s resurgence in form. Prior to home returning they were struggling in the scrums but he has turned the scrum into their biggest weapon. In the semifinal Manuwatu had no answer to Otago’s scrum and eventually they just surrendered to the Otago pack.
TIP: They will not have things their own way in the forward battle as the home team has a strong pack. The battle between the two experienced front rows will go a long way to determining who wins this match. Michael Bent will be the key prop for the home team and he will want to use all his overseas knowledge to get the edge of the Otago scrum. The bookies have Taranaki as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.55, Playabets 1.48 and Sunbet 1.50
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Taranaki vs Otago
- Otago have won three of the last four fixtures between the sides.
- Taranaki have lost both their home matches against Otago.
Latest results for both teams
Taranaki beat Southland 25-13 in their last match while Otago beat Manuwatu 44-16 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Taranaki team are full of game breakers with players like Stephen Perofeta and Dawai in great form. The Fijian has been one of the stars of the tournaments in his first year. Otago will once again look to their forwards to give them that go forward ball they thrive on. This will lay the platform for Josh Ioane to pull the strings and he has been the driving force behind all his teams backline plays. His battle with his opposite number Jayson Patroz will be one of the highlights of the game. The match will be tight but I expect the home team to win by more than 6 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Taranaki
1 Reuben O Neill, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 3 Michael Bent, 4 Josh Lord, 5 Findlamor Hoeata, 6, Bradley Slater 7 Tom Florence, 8 Pita Gus Sowakula, 9 Logan Crowley, 10 Jayson Patroz, 11 Kini Naholo, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 13 Daniel Waite, 14 Jacob Ratumaitavuki- Kneepkens, 15 Stephen Perofeta
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 Taranaki victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.55
Playabets 1.48
Sunbet 1.50
Odds comparison on the Taranaki handicap victory:
The complete odds on the Taranaki handicap victory:
Worldsportsbetting (-4.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-4.5) 1.82
Playabets (-4.5) 1.83,.
Predictions and Odds in details
The highlight of Taranaki’s season has been the interplay between the backs and the forwards. They have attacked from anywhere and are not been afraid to concede the odd try with their adventurous play. Otago on the other hand have played structured rugby kicking a lot but also contesting all their kicks, if the Taranaki back three can deal with the aerial assault then they will be well on the way to victory. The bookies favour Taranaki therefore I suggest backing them on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-4.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-4.5) 1.82 and Playabets (-4.5) 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.
