This weekend we are in for a treat of provincial rugby finals when Tasman host Hawkes Bay in Nelson (Championship – 2nd Division), Wellington welcome reigning champions Canterbury to Westpac Stadium (Premiership) and Western Province clash with the Sharks at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town. Next weekend the Autumn Internationals kick off in Europe and after a six out of the last seven Best Bets cashing, I am hoping to continue generating some profit to round out an enthralling year of rugby union. Make sure you follow me on Twitter (@S15_TheProfits) for last minute tips, game coverage, expert insight or just for a chat. Good luck!
Best Bet 1: Tasman Team Total Over 26.5 @ $1.87 – Sportsbet
Best Bet 2: Tasman -2.5 (PYOL) / Canterbury +12.5 (PYOL) @ $2.08 – Sportsbet
Note: Wellington vs. Canterbury and Western Province vs. Sharks Preview to follow
Tasman (1.35) vs. Hawkes Bay ($3.35) – Championship Final
Trafalgar Park in Nelson will be the stage of a fascinating encounter on Friday evening when the Tasman Makos clash with the Hawkes Bay Magpies for promotional rights into the senior division next year. Both teams have had consistently good seasons, with the Makos easily accounting for Southland last weekend (49 – 28) and the Magpies held on to beat a fast-finishing Otago outfit (29 – 24) in Dunedin. Will Tasman break their championship duck or will Hawkes Bay win back some silverware after relinquishing the Ranfurly Shield earlier on in the season?
Tasman
As New Zealand’s newest provincial union having been founded in 2006, Tasman has continued to go from strength to strength over the last few years and are deserved minor premiers. In 2012, they were losing semi-finalists to Otago in a high-scoring fixture, however the Makos have already gone one better so far and Nelson will erupt if they manage to clinch the title in their eight season. The Makos have only been on the losing side of the scoreboard on two occasions this year, once to an impressive Canterbury side and secondly against a Francis Saili led North Harbour. Their eight victories have included one-sided (20+ points) victories over Manawatu, Waikato, Otago and Counties Manukau and a spot in the top tier is looking ever closer for such a proud and complete bunch of players.
Coaches Leon MacDonald and Kieran Keane have developed a squad that have confidence in both their game plan and their abilities on the field and as a result, rugby fans around the world have been treated to some exhilarating rugby from the home side. Players like Tom Marshall, James Lowe, Liam Squire, Shane Christie and one of my favourites, Marty Banks have really taken their games to the next level this year and in turn, propelled Tasman to the top of tier two. The financial and emotional reward of playing in the Premiership should be all the motivation required for his matchup, but it certainly won’t be a walk in the park against the Magpies as they experienced in week six (18 – 9 victory).
Hawkes Bay
After finishing at the bottom of the Premiership division last year, the Magpies were relegated to the Championship and are 80 minutes away from returning to greener pastures. Last weekend, Hawkes Bay held off Otago in a tense semi-final in hot and humid conditions under the roof at Forsyth-Barr stadium. It appears that the Magpies have the wood over Otago this year having beaten them at the same venue only two months ago and lifted up the Ranfurly Shield in the process after a controversial victory. In 2013, Hawkes Bay hasn’t faired much worse than Tasman and after slow start to the season and a loss to Tasman in round six, they have managed to win the last four fixtures. Without a doubt, they will take a lot of confidence out of their recent win against the Championship favourites Wellington, who only lost one match all year.
Hawkes Bay coach Craig Philpott will be proud of his troops after a successful, yet demanding season. Players like captain Mike Coman, Brendon O’Connor and Perth-based Alby Mathewson have had industrious seasons and embody what Magpies rugby is all about. Additionally, youngsters Ihaia West (fly half) and Ash Dixon (hooker) have had strong seasons and have been rewarded with a call up to the New Zealand Maori squad to play Canada and the USA next month. The outside backs consisting of Latu, Veainu and Guilford will be a handful for the Makos, but it is imperative that their forward pack provide a platform that allows their backs to have clean front foot ball.
Prediction:
It has been a fairly wet week in Nelson, so unless things improve dramatically before kick off, it should be a tight tussle that is settled by the forwards and the boot of either Ihaia West or Marty Banks. Tasman has been one of the most consistent sides in the competition, while Hawkes Bay has often mixed brilliance with boredom. Both teams have game breakers and international quality players amongst their ranks, but I suspect a lively home crowd will witness an inspiring Tasman victory that will see them elevated into the top tier of New Zealand rugby next year.
Predicted result: Tasman to win @ $1.35 – Sportingbet
Best Bet 1: Tasman Team Total Over 26.5 @ $1.87 – Sportsbet
Best Bet 2: Tasman -2.5 (PYOL) / Canterbury +12.5 (PYOL) @ $2.08 – Sportsbet
Please Note:
All of the above are the opinions of the author and are not recommendations or advice. The author may not be taking every bet listed above. Bet at your own risk.
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