Northland vs Southland Predictions - Southland can surprise Northland in NPC clash
- Northland is favored with a 7.5-point handicap.
- Historic games are often tight; Southland might upset.
- Both teams starting the season with losses, need tactical changes.
Southland can upset the odds in NPC against Northland (Getty Images)
Northland vs Southland Predictions
Northland are favourites with the handicap set at 7.5 points. This fixture is historically quite tight, so I am backing Southland in the handicap market with an upset win a possibility.
- Northland vs Southland Predictions
- Head to Head
- Northland Form
- Northland Team News
- Southland Form
- Southland Team News
- Northland lost their last match by 20 points.
- Southland are unbeaten in their last 2 matches against Northland.
- Southland lost their last match by 9 points.
Head to Head
Games between these two sides have generally been quite close in recent seasons. In 2024, Southland won 31-26 after a 15-all draw in 2023.
Northland Form
Northland finished second from bottom in 2024 NPC, winning just two of their 10 matches. They ended on 15 points, two shy of their opponents this weekend, Southland.
This season began with another defeat last weekend as Northland went down 23-3 to Taranaki away from home. After conceding an early try, Northland struck back through a Reihana penalty in the 10th minute.
However, they conceded another try and penalty before the break and went into the sheds at 13-3 down. The second half saw Taranaki pull further away with little threat from Northland.
Northland Team News
Northland are likely to make a few changes after struggling last weekend. They will have this game tagged as one to win.
Southland Form
Southland could only manage a 12th place finish in 2024 but from a performance perspective, they were far better than 2023. They will be looking to kick on from their three wins in 10 games last season.
It was not the best start last weekend though as Southland lost 24-15 at home to Otago, a team they beat last season. And early try put Southland in the lead but Otago hit back with a converted try and a penalty by the 24th minute.
By half time, Otago had taken full control of the game two more converted tries to lead 24-8 at the break. Southland scored a try 15 minutes into the second half to make it 24-15 but couldn’t make any more inroads in the final 25 minutes.
Southland Team News
Shearer and Smith played pretty well as a half-back pairing and should retain their places. It is the forwards that struggled to gain dominance in the first half which ultimately cost the hosts too many points.
Verdict
I am backing Southland to get within 7.5 points with a small layout on an away win.
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