The beloved NPC competition got underway last night with a cracking match between Auckland and Waikato. If that’s setting the tone for the competition, then we’re in for a real treat.
I’m going to provide my two best bets for each round as well as a value same game multi and a four leg multi. Let’s keep a tally and check back in at the end of the season.
Best Bet: Tasman -2.5 | $1.90
The competition favourites are absolutely stacked this weekend when they head up north and take on last year’s finalists.
The Tasman side is genuinely a Super Rugby side. Finley Christie will captain, and he’ll have the likes of Ethan Blackadder, David Havili, Macca Springer, Levi Amua, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Kyren Taumoefolau.
I mean come on! That is the Crusaders with a sprinkle of Moana Pasifika.
Tasman will be one of those sides, though, who lose players to the New Zealand squad, so you need to strike while the iron’s hot and get on them when the spread is this low.
Don’t count out the Steamers, though; they will be strong all season long. However, this Mako side should start their season 1 & 0.
Next Best: Tjay Clarke Anytime Try scorer | $1.96
Last NPC season, Tjay Clarke scored seven tries across his 12 appearances for Wellington. But what stood out was his ability to break the line and beat defenders.
He scored a try in each of his first three games last year, and I’m hoping he can replicate something similar to start this season against Canterbury.
Wellington are favoured in this match-up at home, but Canterbury won’t be an easy beat. I think we’ll be seeing some fast-paced rugby, which should provide plenty of opportunities for the wingers to get on the board.
Value SGM | $14.44
- Manawatu to Win
- Ngane Laumape Anytime Try Scorer
- Kade Banks Anytime Try Scorer
For our first value sgm, we’re heading to the Manawatu, where they host North Harbour.
Round one is always an interesting one, and I’m going to be backing the Turbos to win the opening game in front of their home crowd. Ngani Laumape will suit up and I think he finds himself over the white chalk. He hasn’t featured in the NPC since 2018, but the last time he did, he bagged a double.
Kade Banks is our other try scorer. He had 10 tries last season and he should get started with a bang in round one.
When you get in the betcha app be sure to take advantage of the Same Game Multi Cover tool, so if the multi misses by one leg, you’ll get your stake back as bonus cash up to $50.
- Tasman -2.5
- Tjay Clarke Anytime Try Scorer
- Southland vs Otago Under 57.5 Points
- Northland +15.5
Our two best bets go into the multi, along with the under in the Otago vs Stags game and Northland staying within two converted tries in the first Ranfurly Shield defence of the season.
One of the marquee rivalries in the competition, Southland vs Otago. Stag day always brings the energy, but it will be a gritty game on the field.
The beauty of round one is that the bookies aren’t very confident with their pricing. The shield defence is a game where I think the line is too big for Taranaki to cover and we can make the most of it.
When you get in the betcha app be sure to take advantage of the Multi Rescue tool so if the multi misses by one leg, you’ll get your stake back as bonus cash up to $50.