Auckland vs Waikato Predictions - Waikato can start NPC with an away win
- Auckland are narrow favorites for the NPC 2025 opener vs Waikato.
- Waikato holds a winning streak of 3 games against Auckland.
- Waikato has a chance to cover a +4.5 spread, with victory possible.
Waikato can uspet the odds in NPC opener (Getty Images)
Auckland vs Waikato Predictions
This season’s opener should be a very interesting clash. Auckland are narrow favourites, but Waikato have won their last three against the hosts. I am backing Waikato to get within the +4.5 handicap with a possible win in Auckland.
- Auckland vs Waikato Predictions
- Head to Head
- Auckland Form
- Auckland Injuries & Team News
- Waikato Form
- Waikato Injuries & Team News
- Auckland lost 7 of their 10 matches in the NPC last season.
- Waikato reached the 2024 NPC semi-finals.
- Waikato have won their last 3 matches against Auckland.
Head to Head
Waikato have won their last three matches against Auckland, including their fixture in the NPC last season. That game ended 39-21 in Waikato’s favour.
Auckland Form
Auckland had a disappointing NPC campaign in 2024, losing seven of their 10 matches. They ended the season in 11th place, well off the playoff spots.
With just three wins to fall back on last season, Auckland will be hopeful of a better campaign this time around. The bookies are giving them an outside chance to win the NPC.
Last season, Auckland lost away to Waikato and the year before, they lost at home to the same opponents. This time the hosts are favourites, so can they make it count?
Auckland Injuries & Team News
No internationals are available for Auckland as none of their players were released from the All Blacks squad for this round one fixture.
Waikato Form
Waikato will look back at the 2024 NPC with mixed feelings. They finished seventh, winning five and losing five.
What was prevalent last season was Waikato’s very good home form while they were poor on the road. That away form with have to change if they are to challenge for higher honours.
Despite their indifferent form, Waikato still made the semi-finals of the NPC, beating Taranaki 15-14 away from home in the quarters. In the semi, Waikato lost 29-24 away to Wellington.
Waikato Injuries & Team News
Waikato have suffered a big blow with Anton Lienert Brown ruled out of the match through injury. The good news is that former All Black, Lima Sopoaga has been named in the squad.
Verdict
I am backing Waikato to get within +4.5 points with an upset win possible.
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