Southland vs Canterbury Predictions - Canterbury backed to cover against Southland

Canterbury have won their last six matches against Southland. When they met in 2023, Canterbury won 29-14 at home.

Southland come into this round six NPC fixture in 10th place with two wins and three defeats from their five games. They have performed well overall considering their usual struggles in the competition.

In round one, Southland caused an upset to beat Otago before losing their next two games to Hawkes Bay and Taranaki, but they were competitive in both fixtures.

Southland then beat Northland 31-26 away from home before going down 36-12 to Wellington last weekend.

Southland will be reasonably happy with their season to date and will want to claim another big win on home soil. They will very likely have a few changes this time around.

Canterbury have been inconsistent as their results will show. They have three wins and three defeats in their six games having already had their double game week.

That said, Canterbury are still within the playoff spots on 15 points, but they do need to get back-to-back victories to solidify that spot.

Canterbury won in round one, lost in round two, won in round three against Auckland but then suffered a six-point defeat to Hawkes Bay in that midweek. A heavy loss to Wellington followed, but Canterbury bounced back to beat Otago 34-16 away last weekend.

Canterbury were very good last weekend, probably their best performance of the season. They will not be making too many changes.