Taranaki vs Hawkes Bay
Taranaki plays host to Hawkes Bay in the final of the Bunnings NPC tournament. The home team came through a tough 23-16 victory in the semifinal against Canterbury. The visitors are seeking to win their first ever title after their 25-24 win over Wellington in their semifinal. The scoreline is a little misleading as the match was over long before the final whistle as Wellington scored two tries in the last three minutes. The Magpies are aiming for their fifth straight away win which will be the first time they have achieved the feat in their history. Taranaki will have the obvious advantage as a full house of 13 000 spectators are expected.
TIP: Both teams have unsurprisingly kept changes to a minimum and did not want to change a winning formula. The unlikely star for Taranaki this season has been flyhalf Josh Jacomb as the youngster has played like a seasoned professional with his excellent running and kicking game. For Hawkes Bay they will again be looking to the likes of hat trick hero Chase Tiatia and Lincoln McClutchie who have guided the team so well this season. The bookies have Taranaki as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.66, Gbets 1.67 and Hollywoodbets 1.66
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Taranaki vs Hawkes Bay
- Hawkes Bay have won three of the last four matches against Taranaki.
- The last match between the sides was won by Taranaki 33-19.
- The home side have won three of the last four matches between the sides.
Latest results for both teams
Taranaki beat Canterbury 23-16 in their last match while Hawkes Bay beat Wellington 25-24 in their last match.
PREDICTION
Hawkes Bay have been brave all through the season with their running brand of rugby. They have not been afraid to throw the ball around but it remains to be seen if they will stick to that plan in the final. Taranaki on the other hand tend to kick a lot more so it should be an exciting contest. Both teams have excellent rolling mauls and it will be the defence of the maul that could decide the match. The home team will need the best from their seasoned players like Kini Naholo and Pita Gus Sowakula. The home crowd and the stronger bench of Taranaki makes me predict a home win by 9 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Taranaki
1. J. Proffit 2. R. Riccitelli 3. R. O’neill 4. J. Parete 5. H. Cunningham 6. K. Boshier 7. A. Poliko 8. P. Sowakula 9. L. Crowley 10. J. Jacomb 11. K. Naholo 12. J. Potroz 13. M. Grindlay 14. J. Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens 15. S. Perofeta
Hawkes Bay
1. P. Rakete-Stones 2. K. Kereru-Symes 3. I. Salmon 4. F. Lochore 5. T. Allen 6. J. Gimblett 7. J. Kaifa 8. M. Mikaele Tu’u 9. B. Weber 10. L. Mcclutchie 11. J. Lowe 12. C. Tiatia 13. N. Grigg 14. P. Balekana 15. L. Visinia
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Taranaki victory are as follows:
Betway 1.66
Gbets 1.67
Hollywoodbets 1.66
Odds comparison on the Taranaki handicap:
The complete odds on the Taranaki handicap:
Betway 1.85 (-3.5)
Gbets 1.86 (-3.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.88 (-3.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are decent odds on the Taranaki win but if you looking for better odds then backing the home team on the handicap is a great idea. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.85 (-3.5), Gbets 1.86 (-3.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.88 (-3.5)
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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.
