Southland vs Otago Predictions - Southland to challenge Otago in NPC clash

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 30 Jul 2025

Simon Lewis 30 Jul 2025

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Otago favored for their opening NPC fixture vs Southland.
Southland triumphed 22-13 in their last meeting against Otago.
Both teams have mixed results from the previous season.

Expired

Southland beat Otago 22-13 in their last encounter. (Getty Images)

Southland vs Otago Predictions

Otago are favourites to win their opening NPC fixture away to Southland, however, last season the hosts won this game. My best bet is for Southland to get within the +7.5 handicap.

Southland vs Otago Predictions
Head to Head
Southland Form
Southland Injuries & Team News
Otago Form
Otago Injuries & Team News

Southland lost 7 of their 10 matches in the 2024 NPC.
Southland beat Otago 22-13 in their last encounter.
Otago lost 5 of their 10 NPC matches in 2024.

Head to Head

Otago have won three of their last four matches against Southland. However, in the 2024 NPC, Southland upset the odds to beat Otago 22-13 at home.

Southland Form

Southland are perennial strugglers in the NPC, seldom really threatening any of the top sides. Last year, they played some good rugby and won three of their 10 matches.

There were fixtures where Southland also got close but failed to quite get over the line. Despite a 12th place finish, Southland will want to build on last season. The playoffs are probably not their goal, but a top 10 finish will be a strong season.

Southland Injuries & Team News

Southland doesn’t have many internationals, so they are not as affected as some other sides with missing All Blacks. I expect Southland to put out a strong team.

Otago Form

Otago have a bit of an inconsistent run in the 2024 NPC, finishing ninth with five wins and five defeats.

There were some impressive performances and results along the way, but Otago also dropped games they were expected to win. One such game came against Southland in 2024 when they suffered a 22-13 loss.

Otago Injuries & Team News

Otago are missing a few players to international duty but still have a strong squad with plenty of Super Rugby experience.

Verdict

Southland v Otago

Southland are tipped to get within 7.5 points and perhaps cause an upset in round one.

Southland +7.5

Handicap

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Southland Win

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