Canterbury vs Hawkes Bay Predictions - Hawkes Bay to challenge Canterbury in NPC semi-final
The upcoming clash between Canterbury and Hawkes Bay sees Canterbury as the favorites, with a betting handicap of -7.5 in their favor. Canterbury has shown some vulnerability in their recent performance, having failed to maintain the momentum from early successes. Conversely, Hawkes Bay has won five of their last six matches, indicating strong form. Despite Canterbury's home advantage and a previous win over Hawkes Bay, observers anticipate a fierce competition. The recommendation is to back Hawkes Bay to challenge Canterbury strongly, potentially staying within the -7.5 margin.
- Canterbury holds a -7.5 handicap for the match.
- Canterbury's form has dipped, with only 2 wins in their last 4 matches.
- Hawkes Bay is in strong form, with 5 wins out of their last 6 games.
Tight semi-final predicted for NPC on Saturday (Getty Images)
Canterbury vs Hawkes Bay Predictions
Canterbury are favourites for this clash with a handicap of -7.5. Their form has not been great in the last month, so I am backing Hawkes Bay to push them for 80 minutes and get within that margin.
- Canterbury vs Hawkes Bay Predictions
- Head to Head
- Canterbury Form
- Canterbury Injuries & Team News
- Hawkes Bay Form
- Hawkes Bay Injuries & Team News
- Canterbury have won 5 of their 6 home matches this season.
- Canterbury beat Hawkes Bay by 19 points earlier this season.
- Canterbury have failed to win in 2 of their last 4 matches.
- Hawkes Bay have won 5 of their last 6 matches.
Head to Head
Hawkes Bay have won three of their last five against Canterbury. However, earlier this season, Hawkes Bay lost 26-7 at home. In the last four matches between these two sides, the away team has won on three occasions.
Canterbury Form
Canterbury topped the NPC table with eight wins, one loss and one draw. They ended one point clear of Otago in second place.
After losing to Otago at home in September, Canterbury drew 19-19 at Northland in their penultimate round robin match. Their final game saw a dominant performance, beating Taranaki 34-14 at home to secure top spot.
Going into the quarterfinal against Counties Manukau, Canterbury were favourites, but they struggled to put the visitors away, eventually winning 23-15.
Canterbury Injuries & Team News
Canterbury’s form has been somewhat off what it was in the first six games of the season. They have still managed victories, but performances have certainly dropped. There could be a few changes to keep things fresh.
Hawkes Bay Form
Hawkes Bay finished the NPC season in fourth place with seven wins and three defeats. They were just one point off Bay of Plenty in third place but seven off Canterbury at the top.
Four of their last five round robin games ended in victory with only a 38-24 loss away to Taranaki spoiling their unbeaten record. They followed that defeat with wins over Manawatu and Auckland in the final two games.
Last week, Hawkes Bay faced Taranaki again, this time at home in the quarterfinal. They proved too good, winning 26-12.
Hawkes Bay Injuries & Team News
I don’t see Hawkes Bay making any unforced changes to their side this week.
Verdict
I am backing Hawkes Bay to get within 7.5 points off Canterbury on Saturday morning.
Hawkes Bay +7.5
Handicap
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