Hawke's Bay vs Tasman Mako Predictions - The Magpies tipped to continue their winning form in NPC clash
Hawke's Bay enter their home match against Tasman Mako as slight favourites, boosted by a commanding 52-33 victory over Wellington and a strong run of four wins from five. While Tasman Mako secured a narrow victory over North Harbour, their inconsistent form and recent defensive struggles make them underdogs. The best betting recommendation is for Hawke's Bay to cover the -3.5 handicap at home, given their momentum and the advantage of playing at home.
- Hawke's Bay are slight favourites, riding 4 wins in 5 matches.
- Tasman Mako have lost 3 of their last 5 and struggled defensively.
- Best bet: Hawke's Bay to cover the -3.5 handicap at home.
The Magpies tipped to continue their winning form in NPC clash (Getty Images)
Hawke's Bay vs Tasman Mako Predictions
Hawke's Bay are slight favourites given their recent dominant 52-33 win over Wellington, home advantage, and Tasman's recent defensive record. My best bet is Hawke's Bay to cover the -3.5 handicap at home.
- Hawke's Bay vs Tasman Mako Predictions
- Head-to-Head
- Hawke's Bay Form
- Hawke's Bay Injuries & Team News
- Tasman Mako Form
- Tasman Mako Injuries & Team News
- Hawke's Bay has won 4 of the last 5 matches.
- Hawke's Bay beat Wellington Lions 52-33 in their last match.
- Hawke's Bay has won 2 of the last 5 matches against Tasman.
- Tasman Mako has lost 3 of their last 5 matches.
- Tasman Mako beat North Harbour 31-29 in their last match.
Head-to-Head
Hawke's Bay has won two of the last five meetings against Tasman Mako.
Hawke's Bay Form
The Hawke's Bay Magpies defeated the Wellington Lions 52-33 in their 2026 NPC season opener at Wellington's Hnry Stadium. Hawke’s Bay controlled the first half and withstood a spirited Wellington fightback in the second half to seal a comprehensive victory.
The Magpies racked up five tries to take a comfortable 31-14 lead into halftime, despite losing Neria Fomai (centre) to a yellow card. Wellington attempted to bounce back in the second-half, however, the early deficit was too heavy to overcome.
Hawke's Bay has been on a decent run of form, winning four of the last five matches. They beat Auckland (45-28), Manawatu (38-10) and Taranaki Bulls (26-12), before a loss against Canterbury (43-19) and a win against Wellington Lions (52-33).
The Magpies finished fourth in the NPC 2025 campaign with 35 points, winning seven of their 10 matches.
Hawke's Bay Injuries & Team News
Starting XV: 1 Clement Castets, 2 Tyrone Thompson, 3 Joe Apikotoa, 4 Tom Allen, 5 Hunter Morrison, 6 Frank Lochore, 7 Cooper Flanders, 8 Hugh Renton, 9 Folau Fakatava, 10 Harry Godfrey, 11 Neria Fomai, 12 Lukas Ripley, 13 Bailyn Sullivan, 14 Jonah Lowe, 15 Will Cole.
Replacements: 16 Kianu Kereru-Symes, 17 Hadlee Hay-Horton, 18 Manahi Goulton, 19 Geoff Cridge, 20 Sam Smith, 21 Kade Manuel, 22 Nic Benn, 23 Zarn Sullivan.
Tasman Mako Form
Tasman Mako edged North Harbour 31-29 in a thrilling Round 1 NPC match at Trafalgar Park in Nelson, leading 19-15 at half-time. Powered by a hat-trick from Kyren Taumoefolau and a try by Leo Marfell, Tasman secured a narrow opening-round home victory.
Tasman Mako relied on their strike power out wide and defensive resilience to hold off a charging North Harbour side in the closing minutes.
Tasman Mako have been inconsistent recently, losing three of their last five matches. They lost to Waikato (29-22), beat Southland Stags (55-38), before losing to Counties Manukau (49-41) and Bay of Plenty (27-7), before a win against North Harbour (31-29).
Tasman Mako finished sixth in the NPC 2025 campaign with 30 points, winning five of their 10 matches.
Tasman Mako Injuries & Team News
Starting XV: 1 Ryan Coxon, 2 Eli Oudenryn, 3 Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 4 Lopeti Faifua, 5 Antonio Shalfoon, 6 Tayne Hemopo, 7 Rory Scott, 8 Johnny Lee, 9 Noah Hotham, 10 William Havili, 11 Kyren Taumoefolau, 12 David Havili, 13 Cooper Roberts, 14 Leo Marfell, 15 Taine Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Dylan Irvine, 17 Tom Heywood, 18 Vea Taumoefolau, 19 Hunter Leppien, 20 Matt Lowe, 21 Mason Lund, 22 Nic Sauira, 23 Maloni Kunawave.
Verdict
Hawke's Bay are slight favourites given their recent dominant 52-33 win over Wellington, home advantage, and Tasman's recent defensive record. My best bet is Hawke's Bay to cover the -3.5 handicap at home.
Hawke's Bay -3.5
Handicap
@1,91 - 1 Unit
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