NPC Best Bets | Round 8

Big-time game to open things up, with Otago beginning to hit their straps towards the end of the season as they take on a Counties side who were looking good. However, after last week’s loss to Auckland, I feel they will be there for the taking against this high-powered Otago side.

Tips

Best: Otago (-15.5) @ $1.90
Anytime Try Scorer: Lucas Casey @ $1.88 ($14 First)
Same Game Multi: Otago (-15.5), Lucas Casey ATS & Finn Hurley ATS @ $6.07

Another very exciting game of footy on Friday evening, with Tasman hosting Auckland at Lansdowne Park.

These two sides have plenty of attacking flair on paper, with their outside backs being some of the most explosive in the competition. That means I can see plenty of tries being scored out wide in this one.

Tips

Best: Tasman 1 – 12 @ $2.65
Anytime Try Scorer: Maloni Kunawave @ $1.88 ($14 First)
Same Game Multi: Tasman 1 – 12, Maloni Kunawave ATS & Harlyn Saunoa ATS @ $10.73

Bay of Plenty have been very disappointing over the last few weeks, and things don’t get any easier with them taking on the best team in the competition, perhaps in their most dangerous spot after coming off their first loss of the season.

The Magpies will be looking for a major bounce-back after losing to North Harbour, and I fear for Bay of Plenty’s sake that their mid-season skid may continue.

Tips

Best: Hawke’s Bay (-13.5) @ $1.90
Anytime Try Scorer: Folau Fakatava @ $2.02 ($15 First)
Same Game Multi: Hawke’s Bay (-13.5), Folau Fakatava ATS & Jacob Devery ATS @ $5.54

Waikato vs Manawatu is an interesting one because, early in the season, you would have argued that Waikato were looking very solid when it came to their form, with the Turbos being the opposite.

However, both sides have almost swapped places from that point of view, and Manawatu, coming off the back of a three-game winning streak, will have plenty of momentum behind them.

Tips

Best: Manawatu (+8.5) @ $1.90
Anytime Try Scorer: Brayden Iose @ $2.50 ($15 First)
Same Game Multi: Manawatu (+8.5), Brayden Iose ATS & Under 65.5 Total Points @ $8.24

Wellington have been an absolute travesty this season and continue to search for their first win of the campaign.

Things don’t get much easier for the side from the capital as they face a strong Northland side who are trying to time their run into the playoffs.

For me, the bookies are being fairly kind with the spread in this one, so I’m looking at Northland to cover on Saturday evening.

Tips

Best: Northland (-10.5) @ $1.90
Anytime Try Scorer: Lachie Hooper @ $2.10 ($15 First)
Same Game Multi: Northland (-10.5), Lachie Hooper ATS & Over 64.5 Total Points @ $5.19

Another outstanding game, with North Harbour riding high off a statement win and Canterbury seemingly finding their bearings as of late.

Both sides have plenty of quality, so much so that it feels tough to call right now. That’s why I like either side in a close one for the Sunday afternoon clash.

Tips

Best: Either Team By Under 7.5 @ $2.50
Anytime Try Scorer: Kade Banks @ $1.77 ($15 First)
Same Game Multi: Either Team By Under 7.5, Kade Banks ATS & Brodie McAlister ATS @ $6.39

Josh Jacomb is back in business for Taranaki, and when you’re introducing perhaps the best player in the competition back into the number 10 jersey, you would expect to see some decent results.

Taranaki are coming off a loss to Manawatu last time out and will be looking to right their wrongs against a Stags team who, on their day, can upset anyone.

Tips

Best: Taranaki 13+ @ $1.37
Anytime Try Scorer: Josh Jacomb @ $2.40 ($17 First)
Same Game Multi: Taranaki 13+, Josh Jacomb ATS & Michael Manson ATS @ $8.10