Taranaki vs Waikato Predictions - Taranaki set for fourth successive NPC victory

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 3 hours ago

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Ralph Staniforth 3 hours ago

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Taranaki unbeaten and top of NPC table with 14 points.
Waikato with two victories but coming off a close win against Counties Manukau.
Predictions suggest Taranaki to cover a -11.5 handicap.

Taranaki lost their last home match against Waikato. (Getty Images)

Taranaki vs Waikato Predictions

Waikato have started the season well, but Taranaki have cruised to victory in all three games. I am backing the hosts to cover the -11.5 handicap.

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

Taranaki have won their last 3 matches.
Taranaki have covered the -11.5 handicap in their last 3 matches.
Taranaki lost their last home match against Waikato.
Waikato have won 2 of their last 3 matches.

Head to Head

Taranaki have won three of their last five matches against Waikato. They met twice in 2024 during the NPC. The round robin match was won 25-19 by Taranaki at home. They met again in the quarterfinals, this time Waikato won 15-14 away from home.

Taranaki Form

After three rounds, Taranaki are top of the NPC table with 14 points. They have won all three games, picking up bonus points in two of them.

In round one, Taranaki beat Northland 23-3 without ever really needing to get out of second gear. They backed it up with a 46-24 victory over North Harbour.

Last weekend, away to Auckland, Taranaki annihilated the hosts 50-8. It was an utterly dominant performance away from home and one that will send a warning to the rest of the NPC.

Taranaki Team News

Taranaki will want to continue their strong start to the season, particularly at home. They will fancy their chances on Saturday, even if they do rest a few key players.

Waikato Form

Waikato have made a decent start to the season with two wins from their three matches. They are in seventh place currently.

Waikato defeated Auckland away from home on the opening weekend 36-35. It was an exciting match that Waikato were fortunate to win in the end. A week later, Waikato went down 35-24 at home to the defending champions, Wellington.

Last weekend, Waikato secured their second one-point win of the season, defeating Counties Manukau 27-26 at home.

Waikato Team News

Waikato could rest some players this weekend. I foresee three or four changes to their side that are not injury enforced.

Verdict

Taranaki v Waikato

Taranaki are backed to cover the -11.5 handicap against Waikato. There is also value in Vereniki Tikoisolomone to get involved in the tryscoring markets.