Auckland vs Waikato Tips - Will the NPC opener end in a upset?

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: Tue 29 Jul 2025 22:05

Ralph Staniforth 29 Jul 2025

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Auckland had a tough 2024 NPC season, ending 11th with only 3 wins
Waikato has won the last 3 matches against Auckland
Waikato reached the 2024 NPC semi-finals, showing strong home form

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Waikato can uspet the odds in NPC opener (Getty Images)

Auckland vs Waikato Tips

Waikato have a good recent record against Auckland, who had a poor 2024 NPC season. In what should be a close NPC opener and the visitors are the value call to upset the odds.

Auckland vs Waikato Tips
Head to Head
Auckland Form
Waikato Form

Auckland lost 7 of their 10 matches in the NPC last season.
Waikato reached the 2024 NPC semi-finals.
Waikato have won their last 3 matches against Auckland.

Head to Head

Waikato beat Auckland 39-21 in 2024. They have beaten Auckland in their last three meetings.

Auckland Form

Auckland had a disappointing NPC campaign in 2024, losing seven of their 10 matches. They ended the season in 11th place, well off the playoff spots.

With just three wins to fall back on last season, Auckland will be hopeful of a better campaign this time around. The bookies are giving them an outside chance to win the NPC.

Last season, Auckland lost away to Waikato and the year before, they lost at home to the same opponents. This time the hosts are favourites, so can they make it count?

Waikato Form

Waikato will look back at the 2024 NPC with mixed feelings. They finished seventh, winning five and losing five.

What was prevalent last season was Waikato’s very good home form while they were poor on the road. That away form with have to change if they are to challenge for higher honours.

Despite their indifferent form, Waikato still made the semi-finals of the NPC, beating Taranaki 15-14 away from home in the quarters. In the semi, Waikato lost 29-24 away to Wellington.

Verdict

Auckland v Waikato

I am backing Waikato to get within +4.5 points with an upset win possible.

Waikato +4.5

Handicap

$1.91 - 3 Units

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Waikato Win

Result

$2.80 - 2 Units

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