Bay of Plenty vs Counties Manukau Predictions & Tips - Counties Manukau to cover in NPC fixture

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 13 Aug 2024

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Ralph Staniforth 13 Aug 2024

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Hosts Bay of Plenty are confident after an away win.
Both teams to make changes due to tight schedule.
Counties Manukau are likely to stay within an 11-point handicap.

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Counties Manukau to challenge Bay of Plenty in NPC (Getty Images)

Bay of Plenty vs Counties Manukau Predictions

The hosts were very good away from home last week and return home full of confidence. However, both Bay of Plenty and Counties Manukau will be making changes give the short turnaround between games.

Bay of Plenty vs Counties Manukau Predictions
Head to Head
Bay of Plenty Form
Bay of Plenty Injuries & Team News
Counties Manukau Form
Counties Manukau Injuries & Team News

History suggests this will be quite tight with the handicap set at 11 in the host’s favour. It was, however, in 2008 when The Bay last beat Counties Manukau by a scoreline of more than 11 points. I’m backing the visitors to cover.

Bay of Plenty won their last match.
Counties Manukau have won their last 2 matches against Bay of Plenty.
Counties Manukau lost their last match by 16 points.

Head to Head

Counties Manukau have won their last two matches against Bay of Plenty, including a 32-19 home win in 2023.

Bay of Plenty Form

Bay of Plenty will be looking to back up their impressive 2023 season with another good one in 2024.

They got off to a perfect start last weekend, beating Waikato 36-21 away from home. Bay of Plenty went into the game as underdogs but proved far too good for the hosts.

While the game was tight for periods, it always looked like The Bay had too much quality. Front foot ball from set piece allowed their exciting running game to control the game for most parts.

Bay of Plenty Injuries & Team News

It is a quick turnaround at the start of the season, so I expect Bay of Plenty to rest quite a few players after a physical tussle at the weekend.

Counties Manukau Form

Counties Manukau had a decent campaign in 2023 but will certainly want to turn in a better season this time around. Many of their fixtures last year ended in narrow defeats.

In round one, Manukau were beaten 31-15 at Taranaki. It was always going to be a tough place to go on the opening weekend, but Counties showed enough fight in the game to give them some confidence on Wednesday.

Counties Manukau Injuries & Team News

Counties Manukau, like their opponents, are very likely to make changes. It is, however, another away fixture and they don’t have the squad depth of some other sides.

Verdict

Bay of Plenty v Counties Manukau

I expect Counties Manukau to get within the 11-point handicap in this fixture.

Counties Manukau +11

Handicap

@10/11 - 5 Units

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