- Friday 5
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Canterbury vs Hawkes Bay Tips - Host to edge NPC semi-final about spot in championship decider
Canterbury and Hawkes Bay are set for a gripping semi-final matchup in the NPC. Canterbury, although slightly off-form recently, have been dominant at home and remain favorites to progress to the Grand Final. However, the recommendation is to back Hawkes Bay with a +7.5 handicap. Hawkes Bay has been in strong form, winning five out of their last six games. This game promises to be a close encounter, making the handicap bet a compelling choice for punters.
- Canterbury strong at home and favorites to reach the Grand Final
- Hawkes Bay in form having won 5 of last 6 games
- Best bet: Hawkes Bay +7.5 handicap
Expired
Tight semi-final predicted for NPC on Saturday (Getty Images)
Canterbury vs Hawkes Bay Tips
Canterbury haven't been at their best over the last month, but they are strong at home. I'm expecting them to win through to the Grand Final but the best bet is for Hawkes Bay with a +7.5 handicap.
- Canterbury vs Hawkes Bay Tips
- Head to Head
- Canterbury Form
- Hawkes Bay Form
- Canterbury have won 5 of their 6 home matches this season.
- Canterbury beat Hawkes Bay by 19 points earlier this season.
- Canterbury have failed to win in 2 of their last 4 matches.
- Hawkes Bay have won 5 of their last 6 matches.
Head to Head
Earlier this season, Canterbury beat Hawkes Bay 26-7 away from home.
Canterbury Form
Canterbury topped the NPC table with eight wins, one loss and one draw. They ended one point clear of Otago in second place.
After losing to Otago at home in September, Canterbury drew 19-19 at Northland in their penultimate round robin match. Their final game saw a dominant performance, beating Taranaki 34-14 at home to secure top spot.
Going into the quarterfinal against Counties Manukau, Canterbury were favourites, but they struggled to put the visitors away, eventually winning 23-15.
Hawkes Bay Form
Hawkes Bay finished the NPC season in fourth place with seven wins and three defeats. They were just one point off Bay of Plenty in third place but seven off Canterbury at the top.
Four of their last five round robin games ended in victory with only a 38-24 loss away to Taranaki spoiling their unbeaten record. They followed that defeat with wins over Manawatu and Auckland in the final two games.
Last week, Hawkes Bay faced Taranaki again, this time at home in the quarterfinal. They proved too good, winning 26-12.
Verdict
I am backing Hawkes Bay to stay within 7.5 points of Canterbury on Saturday and make this semi-final a very tight contest.
Hawkes Bay +7.5
Handicap
$1.91 - 5 Units
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