Wellington v Counties-Manukau
Wellington, 7.05pm today
Head to head: Counties thumped Wellington 51-12 at Pukekohe
Form: Wellington have set the benchmark this season but Counties are a mercurial side and they enjoyed a big win against the Lions in round-robin play.
The oil: All Black and Counties halfback Cam Roigard is back from injury and looking sharp, while All Blacks Billy Proctor, Ruben Love, TJ Perenara and Asafo Aumua have all been released to play for the Lions.
Prediction: A comfortable win to the Lions.
Bay of Plenty v Hawke’s Bay
Tauranga, tomorrow, 2.05pm
Head to head: Have not met this season.
Form: Hawke’s Bay started strongly with five straight wins, but they have lost four of their last five. Bay of Plenty had a mid-season blip losing two straight. But they have otherwise been consistently good.
The oil: Bay of Plenty have scored 51 tries this season which is the most of the 14 teams. But Hawke’s Bay are third on the list with 47. The Battle of the Bays could be a real try-fest.
Prediction: Bay of Plenty might have a slight edge.
Taranaki v Waikato
New Plymouth, tomorrow, 7.05pm
Head to head: Taranaki edged Waikato 25-19 in New Plymouth.
Form: The defending champions are fresh from wrestling the Ranfurly Shield off Tasman and will be even stronger this week with Stephen Perofeta returning from All Black duty. But Waikato get some heavyweight help as well with Luke Jacobson and Samipeni Finau bolstering the pack.
The oil: Taranaki look solid up front and they were clinical in the Shield challenge. Waikato have been less than convincing. They dropped their last game to Canterbury with a patchy effort.
Prediction: Taranaki should be too strong at home.
Tasman v Canterbury
Blenheim, Sunday, 2.05pm
Head to head: Tasman cruised to a 22-7 win in Nelson.
Form: Canterbury gave up a couple of weeks ago and were routed 65-19 by North Harbour. They will have more steel in the pack with Henry Bell, Fletcher Newell and Sam Darry released from All Black duty. Tasman dipped a little in the last stretch of the round-robin, but they will have the services of Ethan Blackadder and David Havili.
The oil: The Mako made a strong early run during the round-robin which peaked with a win against Hawke’s Bay in a Ranfurly Shield challenge. Outside backs Jack Gray and Timoci Tavatavanawai have scored 12 tries between them. Canterbury work hard and they boast a strong lineout. Loosie Billy Harmon is an influential player in the pack and winger Ngatungane Punivai has created a lot of chances out wide.
Prediction: Tasman have played the more consistent rugby.
