NPC Best Bets | Round 6

Taranaki played their best game of footy this season, as they handled Canterbury, sending them into a mid-season spiral while perhaps finding something to build on heading into the second portion of the year.

Auckland were again unlucky not to come away with anything against Bay of Plenty, who came roaring back late. They are seemingly better than the table suggests, but their lack of late-game execution is what is letting them down.

Tips

Best: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Kaylum Boshier OR Jesse Parete 1st Try Scorer (WAS $5.14) @ $6.00
Anytime Try Scorer: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens @ $1.90 ($12 First)
Same Game Multi: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens ATS, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens ATS & Over 56.5 Total Points @ $5.94

The game of the weekend comes on Friday evening, as two of the best sides in the competition do battle at McLean Park.

The Magpies come into this bout unbeaten, while Otago have also got on a bit of a roll since their round two loss to Canterbury. For mine, if there is any side that can really mount some pressure on the high-flying Magpies, it is Otago, who I can see keeping this one close.

Tips

Best: Otago (+8.5) @ $1.92
Anytime Try Scorer: Lucas Casey @ $2.55 ($19 First)
Same Game Multi: Otago (+8.5), Lucas Casey ATS & Under 63.5 Total Points @ $8.70

The Steamers and Turbos kick off Saturday’s action in a game I think might be closer than the odds suggest.

Manawatū have been pretty good over the last couple of weeks, and it would be fair to say Bay of Plenty, of all teams, have struggled to put sides away. That is why I have them winning a close one on Saturday afternoon.

Tips

Best: Manawatu (+17.5) @ $1.87
Anytime Try Scorer: Nikora Broughton @ $2.10 ($16 First)
Same Game Multi: Manawatu (+17.5), Nikora Broughton ATS & Veveni Lasaqa ATS @ $11.40

The Lions will be upset after last weekend’s chance for their first win of the season slipped away, with them being dominated at home against Counties Manukau.

They now travel to face a Tasman side who will also be wounded after their close loss in the Shield challenge on Sunday. I expect a major response from them this weekend.

Tips

Best: Over 66.5 Total Points @ $1.92
Anytime Try Scorer: Eli Oudenryn @ $1.73 ($11 First)
Same Game Multi: Over 66.5 Total Points, Eli Oudenryn ATS & Maloni Kunawave ATS @ $4.89

Another cracking game closes out Saturday in prime time, with a couple of traditional powerhouses in Canterbury and Waikato.

Canterbury, as mentioned, are reeling after their last two performances and, for mine, are there for the taking, especially by a side like Waikato, who have been playing some really good rugby recently.

Tips

Best: Waikato To Win @ $1.95
Anytime Try Scorer: Nathan Stephens @ $1.78 ($11 First)
Same Game Multi: Waikato To Win, Nathan Stephens ATS & Over 62.5 Total Points @ $4.62

Counties vs Southland is a battle between the second and third-worst teams in the competition, and they will face each other early on Sunday afternoon.

I feel Southland are better around the park, while Counties are coming into this one with the momentum of their maiden win of the season.

Tips

Best: Southland (+3.5) @ $1.90
Anytime Try Scorer: Sione Molia @ $1.75 ($12 First)
Same Game Multi: Southland (+3.5), Sione Molia ATS & Michael Manson ATS @ $6.17

Based on the early-season trend, Northland would generally come into this one as heavy favourites, but with them resting a large majority of their side, it has provided North Harbour with an opportunity to pounce and get back into the win column.

Tips

Best: Northland (+7.5) @ 1.90
Anytime Try Scorer: Rory Taylor @ $1.77 ($11 First)
Same Game Multi: Northland (+7.5), Rory Taylor ATS & Over 60.5 Total Points @ $5.61