Taranaki vs Waikato Predictions - Waikato set to beat Taranaki for the third time on the trot
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- Waikato have won 4 of their last 5 away matches vs Taranaki.
- Taranaki have lost 5 of their last 6 home games.
- Waikato are predicted to cover the +10.5 handicap.
Waikato have had success away to Taranaki in recent seasons (Getty Images)
Taranaki vs Waikato Predictions
Taranaki had a solid victory in their opening NPC fixture last weekend but have struggled to beat Waikato in recent seasons. Waikato scored plenty of tries in their season opener have edged Taranaki in their last two visits to their opponents' stadium.
- Waikato have won 4 of their last 6 fixtures.
- Waikato have won 4 of their last 5 away matches against Taranaki.
- Taranaki have won 3 of their last 5 home games.
- Taranaki have lost 2 consecutive home matches against Waikato.
Head to Head
Waikato have a slight edge with eight victories to seven against Taranaki, with one draw in 16 meetings in the National Provincial Championship.
Taranaki Form
Taranaki scored two tries in the first half against Counties Manukau last weekend, going into the half-time break leading 10-0.
In the second half, the Taranaki Bulls added a converted try and a penalty to secure a comfortable 20-5 victory away from home.
Taranaki face a tricky test at home against Waikato this weekend, as they came up short in their home match against Waikato last season, losing 23-22, and in 2024, losing 15-14.
Waikato Form
Waikato produced an outstanding first half against Bay of Plenty last weekend, scoring five converted tries to lead 35-0 at half-time.
However, their opponents mounted a comeback in the second half, but the Mooloos held on to record a 38-26 home victory against Bay of Plenty.
Waikato started their season on the front foot and will be aiming for back-to-back victories when they take on Taranaki, having defeated their opponents in four of their last five matches away from home.
Team News
Taranaki
Vereniki Tikoisolomone, Adam Lennox, and Sam Clarke each scored a try against Counties Manukau last weekend.
Sam Clarke landed a conversion and a penalty in the match.
Starting XV: Jared Proffit, JJ Pokai, Marika Parker, Jayden Sa, Jesse Parete, Arese Poliko, Olly Lawson, Kaylum Boshier (C), Adam Lennox, Sam Clarke, Willem Ratu, Seta Tamanivalu, Meihana Grindlay, Vereniki Tikoisolomone, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Replacements: Harry Hansen, Keightley Watson, Dane Johnston, Scott Jury, Sage Walters-Hansen, Logan Crowley, Haki Wiseman, Rocky Olsen
Waikato
Nathan Stephens, Waisake Salabiau, Daniel Sinkinson, Taha Kemara, and Oli Mathis each crossed the try line against Bay of Plenty last weekend.
Taha Kemara slotted five conversions in the match, while Austin Anderson kicked over a penalty.
Starting XV: Mason Tupaea, Sean Ralph, Sefo Kautai, James Tucker, Dylan Eti, Senita Lauaki, Mitch Jacobson (C), Malachi Wrampling, Xavier Roe, Taha Kemara, Nathan Stephens, Austin Anderson, Mike Naitokani, Waisake Salabiau, Daniel Sinkinson
Replacements: Manaaki Boyle-Tiatia, Quinn Taipari, George Dyer, Andrew Smith, Oli Mathis, Daiki Nakajima, Aki Tuivailala, David Lewai
Verdict
Waikato have compiled a solid record against Taranaki away from home in recent seasons and are tipped to cover the +10.5 handicap.
Waikato +10.5
Handicap
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Waikato Win
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