Auckland vs Manuwatu
Auckland welcomes Manuwatu to Eden Park for this fourth round match in the Bunnings NPC. The home team are currently in sixth position, seven points behind the leaders Wellington but they do have a game in hand. They have looked in excellent form in the last two matches winning by 19 and 20 point margins.
The visitors scored a last gasp try in the previous match to defeat Northlands 31-30. It was an amazing end to the match and finally broke their win drought that was at 15 matches. Manuwatu will hope this will give them the confidence needed for the rest of the season.
TIP: Manuwatu were given a significant boost in the last match as TK Howden returned from injury and he did not disappoint as he was unstoppable, making metres with every carry. The visitors will be looking for another barnstorming performance from him. For Auckland, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck set the match on fire with his best performance this season as he beat defenders for fun and scored an excellent solo try. The bookies have Auckland as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.04, Gbets 1.04 and Hollywoodbets 1.05
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Auckland vs Manuwatu
- Auckland have won the previous seven matches against Manuwatu.
- The last four matches between the sides has seen Auckland win by 17 or more points.
Latest results for both teams
Auckland beat Hawkes Bay 41-22 in their last match while Manuwatu beat Northland 31-30 in their last match.
PREDICTION
Manuwatu looked bereft of attacking ideas in their opening few matches but the match against Canterbury changed all that as they decided to adopt a ball in hand approach. This has seen them score plenty more tries compared to their early matches, but they will want to improve on their defence as they have shipped almost a 100 points in their last two games. Auckland have also changed tactics after their defeat to Tasman and are now keeping more ball in hand which has helped their backline players get more involved in the game. They have deadly runners in Salesi Rayasi, AJ Lam and RT Sheck who all thrive on counter attacking ball. I am predicting an Auckland win by 15 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Auckland
1. J. Fusitu’a 2. S. Vikena 3. A. Ta’avao 4. P. Tuipulotu 5. J. Beehre 6. A. Choat 7. B. Gibson 8. A. Ioane 9. T. Funaki 10. Z. Sullivan 11. C. Tangitau 12. H. Plummer 13. B. Heem 14. A. Lam 15. R. Tuivasa-Sheck
Manuwatu
1. J. Gavigan 2. V. Bason 3. S. Paranihi 4. O. Tauatevalu 5. S. Van Den Hoven 6. J. Momsen 7. S. Mcdowall 8. B. Iose 9. L. Campbell 10. B. Cameron 11. T. Fainga’anuku 12. J. Emery 13. K. Brown 14. T. Filimone 15. D. Wild
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Auckland victory are as follows:
Betway 1.04
Gbets 1.05
Hollywoodbets 1.04
Odds comparison on the Manuwatu handicap:
The complete odds on the Manuwatu handicap:
Betway 1.90 (+23.5)
Gbets 1.87 (+23.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+23.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Auckland 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 (+23.5), Gbets 1.87 (+23.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+23.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Castres vs Bayonne
Stade Francais vs Montpellier
Canterbury vs Taranaki
Bay Of Plenty vs Otago
North Harbour vs Waikato
Tasman vs Manuwatu
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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.
