NPC Best Bets | Round 9

What an outstanding match-up to kick off the round, with Bay of Plenty heading south after beating the competition leaders, Hawke’s Bay, last week while keeping their playoff hopes alive heading into Round 9.

Tasman, on the other hand, were poor against Auckland, dropping yet another game this season. The intriguing aspect of this game comes down to the influx of talent for both sides, with Tasman adding Timoci Tavatavanawai, Noah Hotham and Leicester Faingaʻanuku to their side, while the Steamers will bring Pasilio Tosi, Emoni Narawa and Fehi Fineanganofo into the fold straight off the South Africa tour, making it a truly star-studded affair.

Tips

Best: Bay Of Plenty (+5.5) @ $1.90
Anytime Try Scorer: Fehi Fineanganofo @ $1.70 ($10 First)
Same Game Multi: Bay Of Plenty (+5.5), Fehi Fineanganofo ATS & Under 63.5 Total Points @ $63.5

Auckland and Manawatu are both looking to win out if they are to have a chance of getting into the dance come playoff time. The Turbos are coming off their first loss in four weeks, while the home side have won two games on the bounce for the first time this season.

For mine, the momentum is with Auckland, but we have seen what this Turbos side can offer on any given weekend, and I expect a close battle at Eden Park.

Tips

Best: Either Team By Under 7.5 @ $2.90
Anytime Try Scorer: Xavi Taele @ $2.00 ($14 First)
Same Game Multi: Either Team By Under 7.5, Xavi Taele ATS & Harlyn Saunoa ATS @ $10.67

It’s a battle of the north, with the Taniwha looking to hold on to the Ranfurly Shield for another season and Counties hoping to spoil that for their rivals.

However, for mine, Northland are just too classy for the Steelers and could no doubt pile on the points in this one.

Tips

Best: Over 65.5 Total Points @ $1.90
Anytime Try Scorer: Simon Parker @ $2.10 ($15 First)
Same Game Multi: Over 65.5 Total Points, Simon Parker ATS & Lachie Hooper ATS @ $5.78

From a northern battle to a southern one, Canterbury, carrying on their form from last season, will welcome the Stags to One NZ Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

As mentioned, Canterbury are really hitting their stride right now and seem primed for a deep playoff push. For Southland, this game is more of a formality, with their season all but over. They will be hard-pressed to make any noise in New Zealand’s newest stadium.

Tips

Best: Canterbury (-26.5) @ $1.90
Anytime Try Scorer: Dominic Gardiner @ $2.40 ($19 First)
Same Game Multi: Canterbury (-26.5), Dominic Gardiner ATS, George Bell / Ngatungane Punivai 3+ Combined Tries @ $11.63

Otago have been a wagon in the back end of the season and will look to keep rolling against this very dangerous North Harbour side.

For mine, it feels like a game for Otago to really make a statement heading into the playoffs and a real chance to grab momentum. With the talent at their disposal, I expect them to do so.

Tips

Best: Otago (-3.5) @ $1.90
Anytime Try Scorer: Lucas Casey @ $2.10 ($14 First)
Same Game Multi: Otago (-3.5), Lucas Casey ATS, Under 64.5 Total Points @ $6.79

Wellington actually have quite an exciting team lined up for the weekend, with plenty of decent players, but the question will be whether it can click against Waikato.

Waikato will be glad to bring Cortez Ratima back into the fold, allowing him to form a dangerous duo with Taha Kemara. They also have a dangerous forward pack at their disposal, led by captain Oli Mathis.

Now, I’m not going to say this is the game Wellington win or even keep close, but one thing has been a trend: the sheer number of points they concede. That’s why I have the total going over on Sunday afternoon.

Tips

Best: Over 60.5 Total Points @ $1.95
Anytime Try Scorer: Sean Ralph @ $2.10 ($14 First)
Same Game Multi: Over 60.5 Total Points, Sean Ralph ATS, Callum Harkin ATS @ $9.25

The last game of the weekend is the game of the season, with the early-season bullies Hawke’s Bay hosting a Taranaki side that has benefited the most from All Blacks coming into the fold.

Whenever you run out an NPC team with Bradley Slater, Scott Barrett, Josh Lord, Adam Lennox, Josh Jacomb, Kini Naholo and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, you are going to feel good about your chances against anyone.

No matter how solid this Magpies side has been all season, I expect this supercharged Taranaki side to get the job done to close out Round 9.

Tips

Best: Taranaki 1 – 12 @ $3.05
Anytime Try Scorer: Adam Lennox @ $2.40 ($17 First)
Same Game Multi: Taranaki 1 – 12, Adam Lennox ATS, Nic Benn ATS @ $13.68