Auckland vs North Harbour Predictions & Tips - First win of the season for Auckland

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 04 Sep 2024

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Ralph Staniforth 04 Sep 2024

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Auckland and North Harbour have poor season starts.
Auckland aims to leverage home advantage despite four straight losses.
Expected line-up changes for both teams; crucial game for playoffs.

Expired

North Harbour have won just once in their 4 matches (Getty Images)

Auckland vs North Harbour Preview

Neither side have made a good start to the season in the opening four rounds. Auckland do however have a strong side and at home they should do enough to get the win.

Auckland vs North Harbour Preview
Head to Head
Auckland Form
Auckland Injuries & Team News
North Harbour Form
North Harbour Injuries & Team News

Auckland have won their last 3 matches against North Harbour.
Auckland have lost their last 4 matches.
North Harbour have lost 3 of their last 4 matches.

Head to Head

Auckland have been victorious in their last three fixtures against North Harbour.

Auckland Form

Auckland have endured a nightmare start to their season with four successive defeats. They came into this 2024 NPC as one of the favourites for the tournament, however, that has quickly fallen flat.

In round one, Auckland lost at home to Wellington by eight points. It was followed by a two-point defeat at Otago and a six-point loss at home to Canterbury.

Last weekend, Auckland were completely out played by Waikato away, losing the match 39-21. In the opening three rounds, Auckland were unfortunate not to take at least one win, but their performance last weekend will be of concern.

Auckland Injuries & Team News

Auckland will almost certainly be looking to ring the changes come Saturday. They are pretty much in must-win territory to keep their season alive.

North Harbour Form

North Harbour’s season has not gone much better than the hosts this weekend. They have won one from four this season.

An opening weekend defeat at home to Hawkes Bay was followed by a four-point defeat at Bay of Plenty. In round three, North Harbour beat Waikato 43-29 in a very strong performance.

That was thought to be a catalyst for their season to get some momentum, but last weekend, North Harbour lost 36-33 at home to Counties Manukau, a game they really should have won.

North Harbour Injuries & Team News

North Harbour are only three points off the playoff spots, but they need to start getting some consistent results. Victory here will certainly put their season back on track. After a poor performance last weekend, some changes are expected on Saturday.

Verdict

Auckland v North Harbour

North Harbour are backed to get within a score for Auckland on Saturday.

North Harbour +8

Handicap

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