Air New Zealand Cup Rugby 2009: Final Round Predictions

Week 13 promises to be ripper in the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup. Six teams stand a chance of making the semi finals, making these predictions the hardest ever to make. Canterbury are confirmed to host the first final, who will steal the remaining three spots?

Canterbury vs Southland (Ranfurly Shield) Christchurch – Thursday 7.35pm

Southland will have their best chance in recent history to take the log of wood from the red and blacks on Thursday Night. Canterbury are stripped of their eight All Blacks and Southland have lost just one, halfback Jimmy Cowan. Southland must win, not only to confirm a spot in the final four but for their province, who have huge expectationsfor this team to bring home the Ranfurly Shield. There is no doubting Canterbury will still be very strong, with huge amounts of depth the Canterbury side will always put a winning team on the paddock, even if all their All Blacks are out. Will this be enough or will it be Southland’s time to shine. Too hard to pick. Readers choice, please comment.

Tasman vs Wellington – Blenheim – Friday – 7.35pm

Wellington are second place and should stay there with a win expected against Tasman in Blenheim. Tasman have been disappointing in the last few weeks, not scoring a point against Southland or Otago. Wellington are on fire, and even without their All Blacks shouldn’t be too threatened by the Makos. Tasman do have plenty to play for and their final home game should bring in a good Blenheim crowd. Wellington should win by fifteen points or more.

Northland vs Hawke’s Bay – Whangerai – Friday 7.35pm

This game is a big one for Hawke’s Bay, who needs a win for a semi final chance. They will be encouraged with last week’s close call against an All Black stacked Canterbury lineup at home and were unlucky not to win. Northland are playing for pride and their home crowd, but won’t match Hawke’s Bay, a team with raw talent and great all round play even if Zac Guildford is out on All Black duty. Hawke’s Bay to win by fifteen points or more.

Manawatu vs North Harbour – Palmeston North – Saturday 2.35pm

Manawatu had a fantastic start to the season but dropped off the pace towards the end. They were unlucky against Bay Of Plenty again last week and will looking to push North Harbour at home. North Harbour have had an average year, lookinggood in parts, and disappointing in the other. Both teams are very equal, if Manawatu get off to a good start they couldtake the win. Manawatu to win by five points or more.

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Otago vs Counties Manakau – Dunedin – Saturday 5.35pm

With both of these teams out of the running, pride is the only thing on the line. Counties have no show of avoiding the wooden spoon but do stand a small chance of winning at Carisbrook if they get the basics right. Otago looked good last week against Tasman, winning 21 – 0 and will be looking to continue that form. The Dunedin hopeful are expected to stay away from this one, with big Carisbrook crowds a thing of the past. Otago by ten points or more.

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Waikato vs Auckland – Hamilton – Saturday 7.35pm

This game deserves its Saturday night time-slot as it will be a stunner. Forth vs sixth on the table and a possible semi final spot up for grabs. With All Blacks aside, both teams will be very similar in strength. Auckland have had a good run, winning their last three matches, Waikato have won their last five, an even better record. Hard one to pick, Auckland I believe can take it out by six points or less.

Bay Of Plenty vs Taranaki – Mt Manganui – Sunday 2.35pm

The final match of the round robin in the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup. Bay of Plenty will be missing Mike Delany, as he gained All Black selection and the team may miss some tactical direction in the back-line. Taranaki have fought close all season and were strong against the Stags last weekend, but handling errors let them down. Both teams are out of semi final contention but will be looking to finish the season on a positive note. If Bay of Plenty can survive without their inspirational five eighth, they will win by more than ten points.

What a final round this will be, I look forward to bringing you next week’s semi final preview.