Northland vs Otago Predictions - Otago to prevail against Northland in NPC semi-final clash
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- Otago have won 4 consecutive matches against Northland.
- Northland earned a narrow quarter-final win but have recently struggled at home against Otago.
- Otago are tipped to cover the -4.5 handicap in the NPC semi-final.
Otago are on a winning streak against Northland (Getty Images)
Northland vs Otago Predictions
Northland secured a tough NPC quarter-final victory in their previous match and have not had much success against Otago at home lately. Otago cruised through their quarter-final match and are on a winning streak against Northland.
- Otago have won 6 of their last 8 away fixtures.
- Otago have won 4 consecutive matches against Northland.
- Northland have lost 2 consecutive home games against Otago.
Head to Head
Otago have the advantage over Northland, with ten victories to five in 15 meetings in the National Provincial Championship.
Northland Form
Northland scored two tries and a conversion in the first half of their NPC quarter-final match against Tasman last weekend, but went into the break trailing 14-12.
The Taniwha added two converted tries in the second half to see off Tasman, winning 26-21 at home.
Earlier in the season, Northland defeated Manawatu 40-14 at home, lost 34-21 away to Bay of Plenty, beat Taranaki 42-0 at home, Canterbury 36-12 away, and Tasman 20-10 at home, lost 57-42 away to North Harbour, and then defeated Waikato 34-17 at home, and Wellington 52-28 away, and lost 22-19 to Counties Manukau at home before beating Southland 28-14 away.
The Taniwha finished second in the National Provincial Championship table during the regular season, with 38 points after ten rounds.
Northland have had a solid season at home, but historically they have struggled to consistently beat Otago, including losing two consecutive home games against their semi-final opponents.
Otago Form
Otago scored three converted tries and a penalty in the first half against Hawke's Bay last weekend to lead comfortably 24-7 at half-time.
The home side continued to score freely in the second half, adding four tries and three conversions to their tally to thrash Hawke's Bay in the NPC quarter-finals.
Earlier in their campaign, the Blue and Gold defeated Southland 41-14 away, lost 19-15 at home to Canterbury, beat Manawatu 29-27 away, Wellington 61-22 at home and Waikato 43-38 at home, then lost 35-24 away to Hawke's Bay, defeated Tasman 57-33 at home, and Counties Manukau 50-21 away, and lost 32-21 away to North Harbour before defeating Auckland 45-42 at home.
Otago placed third in the National Provincial Championship table during the regular season, with 37 points from ten games.
Otago were in fine form in their previous match, and they have defeated Northland four consecutive times, giving them the edge needed to come out on top in their semi-final encounter.
Team News
Northland
Brady Rush, Lachie Hooper, Terrell Peita, and Ricki Heremaia each scored a try against Tasman last weekend.
Rivez Reihana landed three conversions in the match.
Starting XV: Esile Fono, James Mullan, Marcel Renata, Josh Goodhue, Allan Craig, Grady Forbes, Lachie Hooper, Terrell Peita, Sam Nock, Rivez Reihana (C), Brady Rush, Reesjan Pasitoa, Corey Evans, Heremaia Murray, Jordan Trainor
Replacements: Jordan Hutchings, Olly Ryan, Daniel Botha, Darcy Holwell, Heath Macewan, Josh Renton, Hudson Creighton, Nathan Salmon
Otago
Christian Lio-Willie, Kieran McClea, Saula Ma'u, Henry Bell, Sam Nemec-Vial, Joel Lam, and Harry Irving each crossed the try line against Hawke's Bay last weekend.
Cam Millar slotted five conversions and a penalty in the match, while Patrick Pellegrini kicked over a conversion.
Starting XV: Benjamin Lopas, Henry Bell, Saula Ma’u, Will Stodart, Joseva Tamani, Oliver Haig, Lucas Casey, Christian Lio-Willie (C), Kieran McClea, Cameron Millar, Sam Nemec-Vial, Jake Te Hiwi, Jona Nareki, Jae Broomfield, Finn Hurley
Replacements: Liam Coltman, Rohan Wingham, Moana Takataka, Harry Irving, Charles Elton, Joel Lam, Patrick Pellegrini, Josh Whaanga
Verdict
Otago are on a winning streak against Northland and are tipped to cover the -4.5 handicap in their NPC semi-final clash.
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