Auckland vs North Harbour Predictions - Auckland set to end losing streak

I am backing Auckland to get the win at home, but I do feel it will be by less than a score.

Auckland have won their last three matches against North Harbour. When they met last year, Auckland won the match 43-21 away from home.

Auckland have endured a nightmare start to their season with four successive defeats. They came into this 2024 NPC as one of the favourites for the tournament, however, that has quickly fallen flat.

In round one, Auckland lost at home to Wellington by eight points. It was followed by a two-point defeat at Otago and a six-point loss at home to Canterbury.

Last weekend, Auckland were completely out played by Waikato away, losing the match 39-21. In the opening three rounds, Auckland were unfortunate not to take at least one win, but their performance last weekend will be of concern.

Auckland will almost certainly be looking to ring the changes come Saturday. They are pretty much in must-win territory to keep their season alive.

North Harbour’s season has not gone much better than the hosts this weekend. They have won one from four this season.

An opening weekend defeat at home to Hawkes Bay was followed by a four-point defeat at Bay of Plenty. In round three, North Harbour beat Waikato 43-29 in a very strong performance.

That was thought to be a catalyst for their season to get some momentum, but last weekend, North Harbour lost 36-33 at home to Counties Manukau, a game they really should have won.

North Harbour are only three points off the playoff spots, but they need to start getting some consistent results. Victory here will certainly put their season back on track. After a poor performance last weekend, some changes are expected on Saturday.