Manuwatu (Turbos) vs Northland
The Turbos restart their season after the long break while the Northland are coming of a defeat to the defending champions Tasman. The Turbos will want to continue their record of not losing at home to Northlands. There is an unexpected surprise of Aaron Smith being available for this match. He is the premier nine in world rugby and his presence will propel the home team to new heights. They started their campaign well with a win and were desperately unlucky to lose against Canterbury. Northland has had a disastrous start with three defeats and will be desperate to notch their first win. The biggest change for the Turbos has been the signing of Brett Cameron at 10 as he has had an outstanding start in Turbos green. An understudy for so long at Canterbury he has transformed the Turbos since his arrival especially in attack.
TIP: The battle of the halfbacks is where this match will be won and lost and this is an obvious area of strength for the home team. Northland have the weakest defence in the competition and will need to improve otherwise they could ship a huge score against them. The Turbos loose trio led by Captain Brayden Iose have been superb and they can expect a ferocious battle with the Northland loosies. The scrum seems to be evenly matched but the team that can gain an advantage will be in a good stead to launch their attacks. The bookies have the Turbos as favourites for this match and I’m in agreement with this assessment. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.33, Playabets 1.28 and Sunbet 1.34
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Manuwatu (Turbos) vs Northland
- In the last five matches there have been three Turbos wins and two for Northland.
- The last four matches between the sides have seen the home team victorious.
- Northland has never beaten the Turbos at home.
Latest results for both teams
The Turbos lost their last match 25-22 to Canterbury while Northland lost 48-29 to Tasman in their last match.
PREDICTION
Any team that has Aaron Smith in it must start as favourites. His eye for the gap and crisp passing are the best in the game. His partnership with the ever improving Brett Cameron will be the key difference between the sides. The Northland team has a porous defence and it will again be tested by the likes of Ed Fidow and Tima Fainga’anuku. These are big men who have power and pace to burn. The player that needs to stand up for the away team is Scott Gregory. He had an excellent Super Rugby season with the Highlanders but has unfortunately not brought that same form into the NPC. He is a vital cog and if he can get gain line domination it will get his team on the front foot. The home team seem to have too much firepower for the visitors therefore I predict a Turbos win by more than 10 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Manuwatu (Turbos)
15 Drew Wild, 14 Ed Fidow, 13 Tima Fainga’anuku, 12 Josiah Maraku, 11 Taniela Filimone, 10 Brett Cameron, 9 Aaron Smith,8 Brayden Iose, 7 Shamus Hurley-Langton,6 TK Howden, 5 Liam Mitchell,4 Micaiah Torrance-Read,3 Jared Adams,2 Siua Maile,1 Harrison Allan
Northlands
15 Noah Cooper, 14 Pisi Lealua, 13 Scott Gregory 12 Blake Hohana, 11 Jone Maclai,10 Rivez Reihana,9 Sam Nock,8 Sam Mcnamara,7 Kara Pryor,6 Momoedonu R.,5 Sam Caird,4 Josh Goodhue, 3 Te Whata-Colley C. 2 Ross Wright,1 Luatangu Li
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Manuwatu victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.33
Playabets 1.28
Sunbet 1.34
Odds comparison on the Manuwatu handicap victory :
The complete odds on the Manuwatu handicap victory:
Worldsportsbetting (-8.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-8.5) 1.93
Playabets (-8.5) 1.88
Predictions and Odds in details
A young player that has been very impressive in the early season for the Turbos has been Drew Wild. He is small in stature but has great pace and is in the mould of Damian Mckenzie. The Northland team know that in a time of crisis they need their stalwarts like Sam Nock and Josh Goodhue to stand up and be counted. The team needs to rally around these senior players otherwise the Turbos will run riot against them. The Turbos have a very dangerous backline but it is their forwards that have been most impressive. They will again look to their driving maul to gain them those hard metres. The bookies are not offering great returns on the Turbos outright victory therefore I suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-8.5), Sunbet (-8.5) 1.93 and Playabets (-8.5) 1.88
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.
