Otago vs Waikato Predictions - Otago to book spot in NPC semi-final

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 3 hours ago

Ralph Staniforth 3 hours ago

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Otago expected to cover the -7.5 handicap in the semi-final.
Otago has won their last 5 matches and performed well overall.
Waikato showed inconsistency but managed 3 wins in their last 4 games.

Otago to advance to NPC semi-finals (Getty Images)

Otago vs Waikato Predictions

Otago have had an excellent season thus far and are favourites to see off Waikato. I expect a tight game to start with but eventually, Otago should cover the -7.5 handicap.

Otago vs Waikato Predictions
Head to Head
Otago Form
Otago Team News
Waikato Form
Waikato Team News

Otago have won their last 5 matches.
Otago have covered the -7.5 handicap in 3 of their last 4 home matches.
Otago have scored 38+ points in their last 3 matches.
Waikato have won 3 of their last 4 matches.
Waikato lost their last away match by 36 points.

Head to Head

These two have not met since 2023. Waikato won that game 47-7 but the two sides have split victories 2-2 in their last four matches.

Otago Form

Otago have had a superb season against all odds. They finished the round robin stage in second place, just one point off Canterbury with eight wins and two defeats in 10 matches.

That run includes winning their last five matches since the beginning of September. First, they dominated at home against Northland before seeing off Taranaki 28-26 the following weekend. Otago then shocked Canterbury, winning 38-36 away from home.

That was followed by a 41-26 success at home over North Harbour before thrashing Auckland 51-17 last weekend to finish up the first phase of the tournament.

Otago Team News

The time for resting players is now over – Otago are at full strength this quarterfinal. Millar has been strong at flyhalf this season along with Pledger as his halfback partner. Umaga-Jensen at 12 will be looked at to star again.

Waikato Form

Waikato have been inconsistent this season but still managed a seventh-place finish. They won six of their 10 games, losing four.

In what was technically a quarterfinal at home to Northland last weekend, Waikato came out 25-19 winners. The week prior they lost heavily to Bay of Plenty away from home.

However, three of the last four games of the season ended in victory for the Hamilton-based side. They beat North Harbour and Tasman in that run as well.

Waikato Team News

Waikato have been pretty consistent in selection this season, although, like everyone, they have rested players. Anton Lienert-Brown is the big name in their backline and should be a good battle with Umaga-Jensen.