Bay of Plenty vs Hawkes Bay Predictions - Bay of Plenty to keep top two hopes alive

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 10 Sep 2025

Simon Lewis 10 Sep 2025

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Both teams have 4 wins in 6 matches and are tied in the standings.
Bay of Plenty have won 7 of last 8 home games vs Hawkes Bay.
Bay of Plenty’s recent strong form & home advantage make them slight favourites.

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Bay of Plenty have won 7 of their last 8 home matches against Hawkes Bay. (Getty Images)

Bay of Plenty vs Hawkes Bay Predictions

This is a massive game for both sides as they have identical records and both chasing a top two finish. The hosts are favourites with the handicap at 4.5 points. I am backing Bay of Plenty to cover that, mostly due to their history at home against Hawkes Bay.

Bay of Plenty vs Hawkes Bay Predictions
Head to Head
Bay of Plenty Form
Bay of Plenty Team News
Hawkes Bay Form
Hawkes Bay Team News

Bay of Plenty have won 4 of their last 6 matches.
Bay of Plenty have won 7 of their last 8 home matches against Hawkes Bay.
Hawkes Bay have won 4 of their last 6 matches.
Hawkes Bay have lost 2 of their last 3 matches.

Head to Head

Bay of Plenty have won three of their last five matches against Hawkes Bay. They met in the playoffs of the NPC last season with Bay of Plenty winning 19-17 at home.

Bay of Plenty Form

Bay of Plenty were the runners-up in the 2024 NPC and would love to go one better this season, but they will need to win games like this. They are currently in fourth place on 20 points along with four other sides.

After starting the season with two convincing wins, Bay of Plenty lost to Canterbury at home in round three. They then suffered a 30-25 home defeat to Southland which really put their season back.

However, over the last two weeks, Bay of Plenty have bounced back, beating North Harbour 19-7 away and last week thrashed Taranaki 43-17 away.

Bay of Plenty Team News

Bay of Plenty will no doubt go into this fixture at full strength. It is a massive game and could determine their chances of getting a top four or even two finish.

Hawkes Bay Form

Hawkes Bay have an identical record to Bay of Plenty this season – played six, one four, lost two, four bonus points and are only four points off in the points difference stakes. They are fifth on the table on 20 points.

The start of the season was superb as Hawkes Bay won their opening three matches against Counties Manukau, Otago and North Harbour. However, they suffered their first defeat to Canterbury in round four.

Another loss to Northland followed away from home but last week they bounced back with a 45-19 home victory over Wellington.

Hawkes Bay Team News

This is a crucial fixture for Hawkes Bay. Victory here will put them ahead of their opposition on the table and keep their top two hopes alive.

Verdict

Bay of Plentty v Hawkes Bay

Bay of Plenty are backed to cover the -4.5 handicap against Hawkes Bay.

Bay of Plenty -4.5

Handicap

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