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Otago vs Waikato Tips - Otago backed to cover in NPC quarter-final
Otago has performed exceptionally well this season, especially at home, boasting a consecutive five-game winning streak. With a strong finish in the regular season, Otago enters the NPC quarter-final on the back of significant victories, including a 51-17 triumph over Auckland. Positioned to cover the -7.5 handicap, Otago faces Waikato, who finished seventh but displayed inconsistency. Waikato's recent win against Northland places them in contention, although their past results highlight vulnerability, particularly away, where they suffered a significant defeat by Bay of Plenty.
- Otago has won last 5 matches, excelling at home
- Waikato maintains inconsistent form but won 3 of last 4 matches
- Betting tip: Otago expected to cover -7.5 handicap
Expired
Otago to advance to NPC semi-finals (Getty Images)
Otago vs Waikato Betting Tips
Otago have been superb this season, particularly at home. They can avoid a banana skin in this NPC quarter-final and cover a -7.5 handicap.
- Otago have won their last 5 matches.
- Otago have covered the -7.5 handicap in 3 of their last 4 home matches.
- Otago have scored 38+ points in their last 3 matches.
- Waikato have won 3 of their last 4 matches.
- Waikato lost their last away match by 36 points.
Head to Head
Waikato won their last enounter 47-7 against Otago but that game took place in 2023.
Otago Form
Otago have had a superb season against all odds. They finished the round robin stage in second place, just one point off Canterbury with eight wins and two defeats in 10 matches.
That run includes winning their last five matches since the beginning of September. First, they dominated at home against Northland before seeing off Taranaki 28-26 the following weekend. Otago then shocked Canterbury, winning 38-36 away from home.
That was followed by a 41-26 success at home over North Harbour before thrashing Auckland 51-17 last weekend to finish up the first phase of the tournament.
Otago News
The time for resting players is now over – Otago are at full strength this quarterfinal. Millar has been strong at flyhalf this season along with Pledger as his halfback partner. Umaga-Jensen at 12 will be looked at to star again.
Waikato Form
Waikato have been inconsistent this season but still managed a seventh-place finish. They won six of their 10 games, losing four.
In what was technically a quarterfinal at home to Northland last weekend, Waikato came out 25-19 winners. The week prior they lost heavily to Bay of Plenty away from home.
However, three of the last four games of the season ended in victory for the Hamilton-based side. They beat North Harbour and Tasman in that run as well.
Waikato News
Waikato have been pretty consistent in selection this season, although, like everyone, they have rested players. Anton Lienert-Brown is the big name in their backline and should be a good battle with Umaga-Jensen.
Verdict
Otago are tipped to cover the -7.5 handicap in this NPC semi-final.
Otago -7.5
Handicap
$1.91 - 5 Units
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