Canterbury mounted their first successful Ranfurly Shield defence of this reign, holding off a gritty Bay of Plenty team in a 33-28 victory. Canterbury couldn’t have started the game any better, scoring two tries in the opening 15 minutes for a 14-0 lead, before Dallas McLeod scored his second for a 21-0 lead just minutes before the break. However, they let BOP back into the fight at the death of the first half, seeing the Steamers build confidence as the game went on and coming back to level the scores at 28-28. As we have already seen from this Canterbury team this season, though, they showed great poise late on to get back in front, with a Chay Fihaki break resulting in what proved to be the match-winning try to Toby Bell. Suffocating defence ensued from the Shield holders, as they showed plenty of passion late in the piece to secure the win. Fihaki was a standout whenever he decided to go for a run, often slicing through BOP’s defence and McLeod was also a regular threat. Jone Rova carried dangerously, Dominic Gardiner led the defensive line and xx
Northland pieced together an amazing performance on Friday to thrash Waikato 42-0. It all started when Lachie Hooper charged down a clearance kick seconds into the game to score, and the Australian flanker had completed his hat-trick before the 25-minute mark to make it a 21-0 lead for the Taniwha. The hosts never looked back from there, as their set piece and their lineout drive continually gave Taranaki grief, setting up try after try. Hooper’s back row buddy Terrell Peita was outstanding again, with a team-high 14 carries, nine tackles and a nifty chip kick and regather, while Rivez Reihana did exactly what he needed to do to keep his backs moving forward across the 80 minutes.
Unsurprisingly, Northland have kept their XV from last week’s demolition job, while Canterbury have also kept a relatively steady squad, with Johnny McNicholl’s shift to the bench for Isaac Hutchinson being the biggest move. That makes for another very good Canterbury squad but it would be naive to write off the Taniwha. The Shield holders’ wins this season have all come by single-figure margins and Northland are riding high after their thrashing of Waikato. This will be closer than expected.
Best
Northland +9.5 ($1.90)
Value
Tri-Bet — Either Team By Under 7.5 ($3.10)
Try Scorer
Dallas McLeod ($15 First, $2.15 Anytime)
Same Game Multi
Dallas McLeod Try / Brady Rush Try / Jone Rova Try ($12.86)
Hawke’s Bay romped their way to another big win on Saturday, beating Auckland 44-31. Having already put consecutive 50+ point scores in 2026, the Magpies came out firing again at Eden Park to score three tries inside the opening 30 minutes, as they capitalised on an early red card to the hosts. Auckland were often swift to respond though, at least in the opening hour of play, leading for a good chunk of the second half, but the Magpies really found their groove in the final quarter to score the last two tries of the game and run away with another win to maintain their perfect start to the season. It wasn’t their tidiest attacking game, as plenty of handling and execution errors snuck in, but they still had the ability to make something out of nothing which ended up being the difference. Cooper Flanders had another industrious display with two tries and 19 tackles, Hunter Morrison racked up an impressive 22 tackles and Harry Godfrey was influential in making the back line tick, much to the benefit of both Zarn and Bailyn Sullivan.
A week after completing a miraculous comeback of their own, Manawatū were the victims of a thrilling comeback by Otago, with the Turbos losing in crushing fashion. A big first half had Manawatū in the box seat up 17-7, before Taniela Filimone finished in style early on in the second stanza to make it a 17-point Turbos lead. A George Worboys penalty goal with less than 20 minutes to play made it 27-12 to the hosts, and it looked like that was going to be enough to seal the win, but their defence was nowhere to be seen in the final 10 minutes, leaking three tries from Otago to see Manawatū lose in devastating fashion. It’s fair to say that the hosts were comprehensively outplayed in the final moments of the game, but there were some real standouts from the Turbos, including wings John Tapueluelu and Filimone, who always attacked with intent. It was a trademark defensive effort from TK Howden that led the pack, while Rory Woods contributed well with a couple of turnovers and 16 tackles.
Hawke’s Bay have been perhaps the pick of the bunch this season and will almost certainly continue their winning start to the year, but I am surprised to see them as 25.5-point favourites against a plucky Manawatū side. Since their big loss to Northland in Round 1, the Turbos have been strong against Southland and Otago and, importantly, they have shown real attacking ability. That’s essential against this Magpies side, and it’s going to help the Turbos keep this game at least somewhat interesting.
Best
Manawatū +25.5 ($1.90)
Value
Hawke’s Bay 11-20 ($4.20)
Try Scorer
Bailyn Sullivan ($13 First, $x Anytime)
Same Game Multi
Manawatu +25.5 / Bailyn Sullivan Try / Taniela Filimone Try ($9.15)
Tasman got back to winning ways on Sunday as they defeated Counties Manukau 50-35. It took a while for the Mako to get going but as Kyren Taumoefolau finally broke through for the visitors first try of the night the floodgates opened. The electric wing scored his second try less than 15 minutes later, before the Mako’s lead ballooned out thanks to a a hot start in the second half. Richie Asiata scored just minutes into the second stanza before Taumoefolau scored his fourth and record-breaking fifth tries to give the visitors a 40-14 lead. That effectively iced the game as counties never really got back in the fight, seeing Tasman improve to a 2-1 record. It came on the back of a rampant attacking display with the visitors, who recorded eight line breaks and forced 26 missed tackles from Counties. Taumoefolau was obviously at the front of it all, with five tries to go with four line breaks, eleven defenders beaten and one turnover in a thrilling all-round performance. Timoci Sauira was also a threat on the right wing while William Havili steered the ship well at first five-eighth. Rory Scott again produced a staunch defense of effort with 21 tackles and Johnny Lee was rock solid once more.
It was a good old-fashioned arm wrestle in Invercargill on Sunday, which resulted in Southland recording a shock, 32-31 victory over Waikato. It looked like the Stags were going to go down in a late heartbreak again, as the Mooloos scored a try in the 78th minute to put them up 25-31. However, Southland were swift in their response, winning a penalty almost immediately afterwards to get them deep into Waikato territory, before a lineout maul sit up a potential match winner from Aukusitino Salanoa. From the left-hand touchline, youngster Jimmy Taylor lined up the conversion to win the game and the fullback proved to have ice in his veins, slotting a difficult kick to see Southland record a famous one-point victory. It was a scrappy contest from both teams and one in which Mitch Dunshea prevailed. The big lock ended up with 23 tackles to go with one try, one line break and nine lineout wins in what was an important contribution. Jayden Henderson proved to be a handful with ball in hand and Taylor was obviously the hero come the end of the 80 minutes, but it was the overall heart of the Southland team that got them over the line.
Noah Hotham has jetted off to South Africa to join the All Blacks, but this remains a dangerous Tasman team, especially on attack. Cooper Roberts returns to the midfield while last week’s hero Taumoefolau swaps wings with Timoci Sauira. The hosts are going to prove to be very tricky for Southland to slow down, but I also expect the Stags to have their fair share of attacking success, especially in the pack. It’s also a solid Southland bench, which is going to keep them in this game late on and help them cover what is another big line.
Best
Southland +17.5 ($1.90)
Value
Tasman 1-12 ($3.80)
Try Scorer
Kyren Taumoefolau ($7.50 First, $1.33 Anytime)
Same Game Multi
Kyren Taumoefolau Try / Mitch Dunshea Try / Johnny Lee Try ($24.08)
North Harbour’s impressive start to the season continued last week as they thumped Wellington 47-7. On the road for the second time this season, NH were up for a test against the Lions and it looked like it was going to be a tight encounter at the end of the opening 40 minutes, with Harbour taking a slim 12-7 lead into the sheds. However, it was all the visitors in the second half, as they leveraged a Wellington yellow card to start to pour on the points. The excellent Israel Leota started the onslaught before George Reeves, Jed Melvin and Coby Miln (x2) added more tries for the visitors to make it a blowout. Enjoying 58% possession and a stable set piece, Harbour were able to launch attack after attack, constantly breaking the Lions defence. Melvin and Motikai Murray were again the workhorses up front, making the hard metres while Leota, Miln, Rory Taylor and Kade Banks were the standouts in the backs, as this relatively inexperienced North Harbour team again proved that they can’t be counted out.
Auckland were outclassed late in the game against Hawke’s Bay on Saturday, falling to a 44-31 defeat. It looked as though the Aucklanders were going to pick up a surprise victory when Stephen Perofeta scored an impressive try to give Auckland a 31-24 lead with just over 20 minutes on the clock. However, it was all downhill from there for the hosts, whose defence completely shut down for the remainder of the game to leak two more tries and two penalty goals, surrendering the losing bonus point in the process. Despite giving themselves more than enough attacking opportunities, it was Auckland’s defence that again let them down on Saturday, while their set piece also left a little to be desired, at times costing them crucial opportunities. On the flip side, Xavi Taele was outstanding in this clash, scoring two tries and presenting as a constant threat in the midfield, while Perofeta also recorded a couple of tries and try assists in what was an influential attacking display.
Auckland have won four consecutive Battle of the Bombays and will be expecting another victory on Saturday, but Harbour certainly carry the stronger form line into this game. They also have the luxury of an unchanged starting team heading into this game, and that’s going to ensure their attack is again firing on all cylinders. Against a sub-par Auckland defence, they’re going to record another big score in a game which I expect to produce a very high total.
Best
Over 65.5 ($1.90)
Value
Tri-Bet — Either Team by Under 7.5 ($)
Try Scorer
Israel Leota ($8.50 First, $1.53 Anytime)
Same Game Multi
Israel Leota Try / Stephen Perofeta Try / Motikai Murray Try ($13.17)
Bay of Plenty proved to be almighty challengers in their Ranfurly Shield joust last week but they left themselves too big of a hole to climb out of, losing 28-33. Nothing went BOP’s way in the opening 40 minutes, until Benet Kumeroa rumbled over the line after the hooter for a 7-21 scoreline. They were put immediately on the back foot in the second half as the hosts scored another try to make it a 21-point lead, but the Steamers came to life from there, as Lucas Cashmore got their first try of the second half, before Kumeroa scored his second to make it game on. Reon Paul then sliced straight through the Shield holders’ defence to tie the game at 28-28, but it was all Canterbury in the final 10 minutes, seeing the Steamers’ shield challenge fall short. Nikora Broughton was again the standout for BOP, with 19 tackles and 12 carries, while Kumeroa, Paul, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Veveni Lasaqa all toiled admirably.
Taranaki slumped to their worst defeat in at least eight years as they lost 0-42 to Northland on Friday. The Bulls were quickly trailing on the scoreboard in Whangārei, as the hosts scored three quick tries, and there was no coming back for Taranaki. The second half was much of the same, with the Taniwha scrum dominating, resulting in the Bulls getting little ball or territory in what can only be described as a disastrous performance for Jarrad Hoeata’s team. The penalty count ended up being 4-18 in Northland’s favour and Taranaki recorded just two line breaks all night long, as they looked toothless on attack and broken at set piece. In spite of that, debutant Josefa Namosimalua was impressive and Kini Naholo had his moments, but this was a terrible night all round for Taranaki.
There have been some much-needed changes to Taranaki’s forward pack after last week’s horror showing, but I don’t expect that to be enough to get them back into the winners circle. It’s another strong forward pack that they’re coming up against this week and I expect the Steamers to control large chunks of this contest. We already know that BOP can put points on the board and I expect them to run away with this game in the second half.
Best
Bay of Plenty -8.5 ($1.92)
Value
Bay of Plenty 11-20 ($3.80)
Try Scorer
Rory van Vugt ($12 First, $1.82 Anytime)
Same Game Multi
Rory van Vugt Try / Kini Naholo Try / Veveni Lasaqa Try ($8.18)
Waikato had their first taste of defeat on Sunday, losing to Southland 31-32. It was a see-sawing contest across the 80 minutes, as both sides traded blows, setting up a grandstand finish. Leading 26-25 with just five minutes to play, Waikato patiently made their way up the field before Oli Mathis scored with just two minutes remaining to make it a 31-25 game. That looked to be the match-winner but Waikato fell apart from there, as they quickly conceded a penalty which gave the hosts a line out just 10 metres out from the Mooloos’ line. The visitors weren’t able to hold out the Stags from scoring, before a clutch sideline conversion giving the hosts a one-point victory. It may prove to be a costly defeat for Waikato, who were 8.5-point favourites at kick-off, but their five-eighths can hold their heads high, with both Taha Kemara and Austin Anderson impressing on attack, while Senita Lauaki and Mason Tupaea impressed defensively.
Counties Manukau continued there winless start to the season in Round 3, courtesy of a 35-50 defeat to Tasman. It was a somewhat promising first half from the Steelers as they scored a pair of tries to trail by just five points at half-time, but the Mako ran away with the game in the second half, scoring the first three tries of the period to open up a 26-point lead which Counties never pulled back. Conceding seven tries, it was a poor defensive showing again from the Steelers, with just a 81% tackle completion, and their 11 conceded penalties did them no favours either. Tuna Tuitama looked to get involved often and had some nifty runs, as did Tevita Ofa, while Cameron Church was the pick of the bunch up front.
It’s been a grim start to the season for Counties and it looks unlikely that they’re going to have their first success of the season on Sunday. Waikato will wear the visitors down in this contest and with another new 9-10-12 combo, I don’t have a lot of optimism in the Steelers’ attack. That’s going to result in a bit of a dull clash in the Tron, and I am happy to take the under here.
Best
Under 64.5 ($1.90)
Value
Waikato 11-20 ($3.70)
Try Scorer
Oli Mathis ($17 First, $2.40 Anytime)
Same Game Multi
Under 64.5 / Oli Mathis Try / Austin Anderson Try ($14.68)
Otago produced a significant comeback against Manawatū to leave Palmerston North as 29-27 victors. Down 12-27 with 10 minutes remaining, the Razorbacks looked destined for defeat, but three quick-fire tries at the death saw them pull off a dramatic come-from-behind victory. It started when Jona Nareki sliced through the defence to send Kieran McClea away for a five-pointer, before Lucas Casey capitalised on sustained pressure to make it a three-point deficit. Nareki was again influential in getting Otago up the field to set up the match-winner, before supplying a delightful slinging offload out to Sam Nemec-Vial for the deciding try. The game was played at a frantic pace but it must be said that Otago were the deserving victors, with their willingness to open up the game eventually being rewarded. Christian Lio-Willie was one of the driving forces in the comeback, with his impact being felt on attack, defence and at the lineout, while Nareki had some influential moments and Jake Te Hiwi and Patrick Pellegrini were reliable when called upon.
Wellington were humiliated by North Harbour last week, losing 7-47 at home. It continued their run of losses to start the season, except this one felt different, being a game that they likely would have been expecting to win going into it. It started off as a relatively close encounter, with the scores at 7-12 at half-time, but the wheels fell off in the second half. A yellow card to Penieli Poasa proved to be the turning point, seeing North Harbour run in five unanswered tries to end the game. Yet again, the Lions’ defence was to blame, missing 39 tackles and conceding 10 line breaks, and their attack was hardly any better, mustering up just one try. Du’Plessis Kirifi was again at 12 and looked more comfortable this week, setting up Callum Harkin for the only try for the Lions while looking more keen to get involved at the breakdown, as he usually does in the #7 jersey. He was Wellington’s best, while Harkin, Sione Halalilo and Dominic Ropeti had their moments, but this was an awful showing from the Wellingtonians.
Both Halahilo and Harkin are out of the 23 for Wellington, making this the weakest squad that they have fielded this season and that spells real trouble. Otago have named a full-strength squad and will be more than up for this fight, especially in the pack where I expect to have it all their way. I would not be surprised if the margin exceeds 30 points here.
Best
Otago -16.5 ($1.90)
Value
Otago 21-30 ($4.20)
Try Scorer
Jona Nareki ($9.50 First, $1.48 Anytime)
Same Game Multi
Otago -14.5 / Jona Nareki Try / Joseva Tamani ($9.51)