Canterbury vs Auckland Predictions - Canterbury to win again in NPC

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 08 Aug 2025

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Simon Lewis 08 Aug 2025

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Canterbury leads head to head with 3 wins in past 5 matches.
Canterbury started season strong, defeating Wellington 33-15.
Auckland suffered a narrow loss against Waikato in opening match.

Expired

Canterbury won their opening NPC match last weekend by 18 points.(Getty Images)

Canterbury vs Auckland Predictions

The biggest winning margin over the last three games between these sides has been seven points. I expect this to be tight again but last week Canterbury played some superb rugby. I am backing them to cover the -7.5 handicap.

Canterbury vs Auckland Predictions
Head to Head
Canterbury Form
Canterbury Team News
Auckland Form
Auckland Team News

Canterbury won their opening NPC match last weekend by 18 points.
Canterbury have won their last 2 matches against Auckland.
Auckland lost their opening NPC match at home.
Auckland lost 7 of their 10 NPC matches last season.

Head to Head

Over the last five matches, Canterbury holds a 3-2 advantage, including victories in their last two matches. In the last three games between these sides, the biggest winning margin was seven points.

Canterbury Form

Canterbury have are the most successful NPC side in history but they have struggled to really dominate in recent seasons. Much like their franchise, Crusaders in Super Rugby.

However, like the Crusaders bounced back earlier this year, it could be the Canterbury year in the NPC as well. They finished sixth in 2024, winning six and losing four round robin matches.

Last weekend, Canterbury got their 2025 campaign off to a flying start, thrashing defending champions, Wellington 33-15 away from home. It was a sublime performance by Canterbury and really put the marker down for the season.

Canterbury Team News

Darry starts in the second row this weekend after a strong performance off the bench last weekend against Wellington. The side is largely the same otherwise.

Auckland Form

Auckland were disappointing in 2024, winning just three of their 10 NPC matches. They finished in 11th place with just 21 points and a negative points difference.

There are certainly higher hopes for Auckland but like other top sides, they must do without their international players for most, if not all of the tournament. Last weekend, Auckland were involved in a cracking round one fixture against Waikato.

Unfortunately, Auckland came out on the wrong side of a tight game, losing 36-35 on home soil. It was a disappointing result for them as a strong start to the season would have given them a huge boost.

Auckland Team News

Auckland have made a couple of changes to their side but still look very strong. This should be a very good contest.

Verdict

Canterbury v Auckland

Canterbury are backed to cover the -7.5 handicap against Auckland at home.

Canterbury -7.5

Handicap

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