Waikato vs Hawkes Bay Predictions & Tips - Visitors to win tight contest

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 12 Sep 2024

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Ralph Staniforth 12 Sep 2024

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Hawkes Bay to cover the -1 handicap against Waikato.
Hawkes Bay has won 5 of their last 6 matches.
Waikato won their last 2 home matches but need a top-eight finish.

Expired

Waikato is currently in 6th place with 3 wins and 3 losses (Getty Images)

Waikato vs Hawkes Bay Preview

Hawkes Bay are having a fine season as they look to replicate their runners-up place from last year, or go one better. I am backing them to cover the -1 handicap against a strong Waikato side.

Waikato vs Hawkes Bay Preview
Head to Head
Waikato Form
Waikato Injuries & News
Hawkes Bay Form
Hawkes Bay Injuries & News

Waikato have won their last 2 home matches.
Hawkes Bay have won 5 of their last 6 matches.
Hawkes Bay have won their last 3 away matches.
Hawkes Bay have won 4 of their last 5 matches against Waikato.

Head to Head

Four of the last five matches between these two sides have gone in Hawkes Bay favour.

Waikato Form

Waikato are currently in sixth place on the NPC table with three wins and three defeats from six fixtures. They are on 17 points, only three off Taranaki in fifth and five of Bay of Plenty in fourth.

In round one, Waikato lost at home to Bay of Plenty but have won their subsequent two on home soil against Auckland and Northland.

Last week, away from home, Waikato were very good against a strong Taranaki side, eventually losing the match 25-19.

Waikato Injuries & News

Waikato need to get some results in the last few weeks to secure a top eight finish. These home games will be particularly crucial, so don’t expect any key players to be rested.

Hawkes Bay Form

Hawkes Bay come into this fixture at the top of the table with five wins from their six matches. They are on 27 points, two ahead of Wellington who have a game in hand.

The only defeat Hawkes Bay has suffered this season came last Saturday when they went down 25-24 to Tasman at home. It was a game they could easily have won, and probably should have in the second half.

Before that, Hawkes Bay won five in a row while they have also won their last two away fixtures. This will be a tough challenge, but The Bay have performed well this season on the road.

Hawkes Bay Injuries & News

Hawkes Bay’s credentials will be tested over the next two weeks, so I do not expect them to change too much in terms of personal.

Verdict

Waikato v Hawkes Bay

Hawkes Bay are backed to cover the -1 handicap in this fixture.

Hawkes Bay -1

Handicap

@10/11 - 3 Units

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