Wellington vs Canterbury Predictions - Wellington backed for win in opening NPC clash

Simon Lewis

Editor

Last updated: 29 Jul 2025

Simon Lewis 29 Jul 2025

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Wellington are defending NPC champions, favorites to win again.
Key player Ruben Love returns, boosting Wellington's chances.
Canterbury seeks to improve from last year's 6th-place finish.

Expired

Wellington can get their title defence off to a winning start (Getty Images)

Wellington vs Canterbury Predictions

Wellington are only slight favourites at home for this game, testament to Canterbury’s improvement this year. At home the defending champions are very tough, so I’m backing Wellington to cover -2.5.

Wellington vs Canterbury Predictions
Head to Head
Wellington Form
Wellington Injuries & Team News
Canterbury Form
Canterbury Injuries & Team News

Wellington have won 13 of their last 15 NPC matches.

Wellington are the defending NPC champions.

Wellington beat Crusaders last season.

Crusaders won 6 of their 10 NPC matches last season.

Head to Head

Wellington thrashed Canterbury 46-21 away from home in the 2024 NPC.

Wellington Form

Wellington begins the 2025 NPC as the defending champion. They beat Bay of Plenty in the NPC final last season 23-20.

Once again, Wellington are favourites to retain their title in 2025. They dominated last season, winning eight of their 10 matches, ending on 40 points.

Last season, Wellington dominated this fixture away from home. They will want to start their title defence with an aggressive showing.

Wellington Injuries & Team News

Wellington will be boosted by the availability of Ruben Love. The fullback has been released from international duty to play.

Canterbury Form

Canterbury is one the oldest and most successful unions in New Zealand. However, they have disappointed of late, finishing a lowly sixth in 2024.

Despite their average finish, Canterbury still made it to the semi-final stage. Here they lost 32-20 to Bay of Plenty after thrashing Tasman 62-14 in the quarterfinal.

More of a challenge is expected from Canterbury this season. They are third favourites for the title, only just behind Wellington and Tasman.

Canterbury Injuries & Team News

Brodie McAlister has also been released from All Black duty for this match. Expect the big lock to start.

Verdict

Wellington v Canterbury

Wellington are backed to cover the -2.5 handicap at home.

Wellington -2.5

Handicap

@1.91 - 5 Units

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