Auckland vs Canterbury
Auckland play host to Canterbury in this round 3 clash of the Bunnings NPC. The home team have made a disastrous start to their campaign, losing their opening two matches. The visitors started their season with a win but were easily beaten 22-7 in their last match against Tasman. Auckland will be desperate for a win as three consecutive defeats will severely dent their chances of making the playoffs. The most disappointing aspect for the home side is that many of this team were part of the Blues winning Super Rugby squad. The short term signing of Christian Leali’ifano should provide more stability to the backline.
TIP: Canterbury looked toothless in attack against Tasman and only managed one score in the 80 minutes. This is largely surprising as their 10,12,13 axis features two All Blacks in Braydon Ennor and Dallas McLeod. Much more will be expected from this center pairing if they are to improve in attack. Auckland will be hoping that the experience of Leali’ifano will see him link up the potent backline that includes Caleb Tangitau and AJ Lam. The bookies have Auckland as favorites and I am also backing them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.65, Betway 1.65 and Bettabets 1.65
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Auckland vs Canterbury
- The last four matches have seen each team win twice.
- The home side have won the last five matches between the sides.
Latest results for both teams
Auckland lost 27-25 to Otago in the last match while Canterbury lost 22-7 to Tasman in their last match.
PREDICTION
Auckland will need to improve in all areas especially in the set pieces. The Blues dominated teams with their physicality but sadly that’s an area Auckland are struggling in. they will need players like Akira Ioane and Anton Segner to step up as they will be facing arguably the best loose trio in the competition in Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, and Billy Harmon. It is fair to say that the match could be decided by the winner of this mini contest. Canterbury will be looking for more from Rameka Poihipi as he has the potential to win a game on his own if he can fire up his star-studded backline. Auckland will be more desperate therefore I predict a home win by 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Auckland
15 Lolagi Visinia, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 13 AJ Lam, 12 Tanielu Tele’a, 11 Nigel Ah Wong, 10 Christian Leali’ifano, 09 Taufa Funaki, 08 Akira Ioane, 07 Anton Segner, 06 Adrian Choat, 05 TuainaTaii Tualima, 04 Josh Beehre, 03 Marcel Renata, 02 Soane Vikena, 01 Josh Fusitu’a
Canterbury
15 Chay Fihaki, 14 Issac Hutchinson,13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Dallas McLeod, 11 gantungan Punivai, 10 Rameka Poihipi, 09 Mitchell Drummond, 08 Cullen Grace, 07 Tom Christie, 06 Billy Harmon, 05 Tahoe Cahill, 04 Jamie Hannah, 03 Seb Calder, 02 Brodie McAlister, 01 Finlay Brewis
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Auckland victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 1.65
Betway 1.65
Bettabets 1.65
Odds comparison on the Auckland handicap:
The complete odds on the Auckland handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (-2.5)
Betway 1.87 (-2.5)
Bettabets 1.89 (-2.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the 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 (-2.5),Betway 1.87 (-2.5), Bettabets 1.89 (-2.5)
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.
