Canterbury vs Otago Tips - Canterbury to gain revenge in NPC Final

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: Thu 23 Oct 2025 22:09

Ralph Staniforth 23 Oct 2025

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Canterbury lost only once this season to Otago
Otago have overperformed, surprising many with their top performances
Canterbury is backed to cover a -4.5 handicap and win the NPC title

Expired

Otago beat Canterbury by 2 points earlier this season. (Getty Images)

Canterbury vs Otago Predictions

Canterbury's only defeat of the regular season came it the hands of Otago. I'm backing them to gain revenge in the one that matters and claim the NPC title

Canterbury vs Otago Predictions
Head to Head
Canterbury Form
Otago Form

Canterbury are unbeaten in 11 of their last 12 matches.
Canterbury have won 10 of their last 12 matches.
Otago have won 10 of their last 12 matches.
Otago beat Canterbury by 2 points earlier this season.

Head to Head

Otago produced a stellar display a month ago to beat Canterbury 38-36 away from home.

Canterbury Form

Canterbury topped the NPC table this season with eight wins in 10 matches. They lost once and drew once, finishing two points clear of Otago. However, their only defeat this season did come at home against Otago.

The season started very well for Canterbury, and they have been strong throughout, but their form over the last month has dropped a touch. In their quarterfinal at home to Counties Manukau, Canterbury were not very convincing in a 23-15 win.

However, in the semi-final last weekend, Canterbury found their rhythm again against Hawkes Bay, comfortably winning the match 43-19.

Otago Form

Otago won eight of their 10 round robin matches, losing just twice. They have certainly been the surprise package this season with not many backing them to even make the top eight when the NPC got underway.

However, in terms of rugby quality, Otago have been the standout team in 2025. They also beat Canterbury away from home a month ago, which should give them plenty of confidence.

In the quarterfinal, Otago were quite fortunate to come away with a 44-41 victory over Waikato at home. Defensively they let slip far too many points, but fortunately their attack fired on the same night. In the semi-final last weekend, Otago were back to their best, beating Bay of Plenty 41-17 at home.