Waikato vs Counties Manukau Predictions - Waikato set to return to winning ways
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- Waikato have won the last 7 matches vs Counties Manukau.
- Counties Manukau are winless this NPC season.
- Waikato are tipped to cover the -16.5 handicap.
Waikato are o a lengthy winning streak against Counties Manukau (Getty Images)
Waikato vs Counties Manukau Predictions
Waikato came away empty-handed in their previous match but are on a winning streak against Counties Manukau. Counties Manukau are winless in this edition of the NPC and historically struggle to beat Waikato.
- Waikato have won 4 of their last 5 home games.
- Waikato have won 4 consecutive home matches against Manukau.
- Counties Manukau have lost 3 of their last 5 away games.
- Counties Manukau have lost 7 consecutive matches against Waikato.
Head to Head
Waikato have the advantage over Counties Manukau, with nine victories to three, including one draw in 13 meetings in the National Provincial Championship.
Waikato Form
Waikato scored a single try in the first half against Southland last weekend to trail their hosts 8-5 at the break.
However, Waikato produced a solid second half, scoring four tries and three conversions, but fell just short, losing 32-31 away to Southland.
Earlier in their campaign, the Mooloos defeated Bay of Plenty 38-26 at home in their season opener and Taranaki 38-32 away.
Waikato are fifth in the National Provincial Championship standings with 12 points from three matches.
Waikato will fancy their chances of bouncing back to form when they host struggling Counties Manukau, having defeated their opponents four times in a row on their home turf.
Counties Manukau Form
Counties Manukau scored two converted tries in the first half against Tasman last weekend, going into the break trailing 19-14.
Manukau added three converted tries in the second half, but continued to concede points, losing 50-35 at home to Tasman.
Before that, the Steelers lost 20-5 at home to Taranaki in their opening match of the season and 59-19 to North Harbour away.
Manukau are last in the National Provincial Championship table with one point after three rounds.
Counties Manukau have been struggling to find their footing in the NPC this season, having lost all their matches so far, and they are on a seven-match losing streak against Waikato.
Team News
Waikato
Austin Anderson, Waisake Salabiau, Sean Ralph, Jahrome Brown, and Oli Mathis each crossed the try line against Southland last weekend.
Taha Kemara landed three conversions in the match.
Starting XV: Mason Tupaea, Manaaki Boyle-Tiatia, George Dyer, Samipeni Finau, James Tucker, Mitch Jacobson (C), Oli Mathis, Senita Lauaki, Daiki Nakajima, Taha Kemara, Nathan Stephens, D'Angelo Leuila, Austin Anderson, Daniel Sinkinson, Tepaea Cook-Savage
Replacements: Sean Ralph, Taipari Quinn, Sefo Kautai, Hamilton Burr, Malachi Wrampling, Jahrome Brown, Rui Farrant, Waisake Salabiau
Counties Manukau
Cam Church, Tuna Tuitama, Ioane Moananu, Josh Gray, and Adam Morrison each scored a try against Tasman last weekend.
AJ Alatimu slotted three conversions in the match, while Jackson Rainsford and Tevita Ofa landed a conversion each.
Starting XV: Jarred Adams, Ian West-Stevens, Thomas Polo, Leo Ngatai-Tafau, Sione Tupou (C), Alamanda Motuga, Adam Brash, Cameron Church, Melani Matavao, AJ Alatimu, Tuna Tuitama, Tevita Ofa, Blake Makiri, Josh Gray, Adam Morrison
Replacements: Rico McQuoid, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Atunaisa Moli, Veikoso Poloniati, Aporosa Vuniyayawa, Cohen Brady-Leathem, Jackson Rainsford, Sione Molia
Verdict
Waikato have often defeated Counties Manukau in the NPC in recent seasons and are tipped to cover the -16.5 handicap.
Waikato -16.5
Handicap
@1,91 - 3 Units
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