Hawkes Bay vs Northland
Hawkes Bay will put the Ranfurly Shield on the line when they play host to Northland. It is the first time this season that the Shield will be put on the line so the match is expected to produce fireworks. The home side are one of just four unbeaten teams despite it being so early in the season. The visitors rebounded from their opening round defeat by beating Manawatu last weekend. It was a welcome victory for Northland who were on a five-game losing run that dated back to last season. Hawkes Bay are starting to show the form that took them to the final last season.
TIP: The home team have a star studded lineup led by the exciting halfback combination of Harry Godfrey and Folau Fakatava. If they can spark the backline that includes the likes of Matt Protheroe and Danny Toala, then Northland could be in for a long afternoon. The visitors will need to keep possession of the ball better than they did against Manawatu. The poor finishing of the Manawatu team saved the blushes of Northland. The bookies have Hawkes Bay as favorites and I am also backing them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.20, Betway 1.20 and Bettabets 1.20
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Hawkes Bay vs Northland
- Hawkes Bay have won four of the last five matches between the sides.
- The home side have won ten of the last eleven matches in this fixture.
Latest results for both teams
Hawkes Bay beat Southland 31-17 in their last match while Northland beat Manawatu 35-18 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Hawkes Bay team has class throughout their lineup and will be looking for another big performance from Josh Kaifa. The number eight is always a willing ball carrier that gets over the advantage line. He is crucial to the halfbacks getting quick ball to play with. Northland looked good in patches last week but they will need to find a way to control possession better. They need to stop kicking away ball as they looked at their best when they played a running game. The Shield games are generally close encounters therefore I predict a home win by under 10 points.
Probable Starting XV
Hawkes Bay
15 Matt Protheroe, 14 Freedom Vaha’akolo, 13 Nick Grigg, 12 Danny Toala, 11 Ben O’Donnell, 10 Harry Godfrey, 09 Folau Fakatava, 08 Josh Kaifa, 07 Sam Smith, 06 Frank Lochore, 05 Tom Parsons, 04 Geoff Cridge,03 Joel Hintz, 02 Jacob Devery, 01 Tim Farrell
Northlands
15 JordanTrainor, 14 Quinton Nichols, 13 Corey Evans, 12 Tevita Latu, 11 Heremaia Murray, 10 Rivez Reihana, 09 Lisati Milo-Harris, 08 Rob Rush, 07, SaimoUli Nakauvadra, 06 Simon Parker, 05 Sam Caird, 04 Allan Craig, 03 Chris Apoua, 02 Matt Moulds, 01 Tile Fono
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Hawkes Bay victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 1.20
Betway 1.20
Bettabets 1.20
Odds comparison on the Northland handicap:
The complete odds on the Northland handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (+13.5)
Betway 1.87 (+13.5)
Bettabets 1.89 (+13.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Hawkes Bay outright win therefore we suggest the away team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.90 (+13.5), Betway 1.87 (+13.5) and Bettabets 1.89 (+13.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Bulls vs Griquas
WP vs Sharks
Auckland vs Canterbury
Cheetahs vs Lions
North Harbour vs Waikato
Griffons vs Pumas
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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.
