Air New Zealand Cup Rugby 2009: Week 11 Predictions
The finals are almost here and week three is very important to most of these provinces taking part. Who will be victorious?
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The 2009 Air New Zealand Cup is at boiling point with just three rounds to play. Nine teams stand a chance of making the final four, just six points separate eight of them. This week could be do or die for a few teams, every point being vital. Here are this week’s matches…
1. Hawke’s Bay vs Counties, Napier – Thursday 7.35pm
Bottom of the table Counties are long gone from this year’s championship, even though they showed some courage last week against top of the table Canterbury. They meet a Hawke’s Bay side who snatched victory against Bay of Plenty in Rotorua in the dying seconds on Friday night. On paper Hawke’s Bay should be far too good at home but Counties won’t give up without a fight. A exciting Hawke’s Bay back-line should see them win by at least 12 points or more.
2. Canterbury vs Manawatu (Ranfurly Shield), Christchurch – Friday 7.35pm
This could be an interesting match-up. Manawatu showed some promise early on this season but have recently dropped off the pace. Canterbury were lacklustre against Counties last week but once they get started they are hard to stop. Canterbury’s backline should be too strong for Manawatu, unless five eighth Aaron Cruden becomes dangerous. Manawatu are a worthy challenger and would love to upset the Cantabs at home again after last years result. The shield should stay in Christchurch though, Canterbury winning by at least 20 points.
3. Taranaki vs Auckland, New Plymouth – Friday 7.35pm
Taranaki set the bull ring on fire last week with a explosive 38 – 10 win against Otago and will hoping for much the same against Auckland this week. Auckland will be a much harder opponent than Otago though and have found new confidence with their win last week against Southland at Eden Park. This match will be very tight, Taranaki are sitting in eighth spot on 25 points and Auckland two places ahead on 26. Competition points are vital in this game with both teams wanting a semi final spot. A very tough match to pick, Auckland should poke ahead by six points or less.
4. Otago vs Waikato, Dunedin – Saturday 2.30pm
Otago season is over and will be playing for pride. After being thrashed by Taranaki last week, Waikato will be a step above with All Blacks involved such as Brendon Leanord and Stephen Donald. They battled to good win against North Harbour last Thursday night and should do it again. Waikato will look to aim for a bonus point to nudge them into the top four if results go their way. A Waikato win by 15 points or more.
5. Southland vs Tasman, Invercargill 5.30pm
Southland was shocking against Auckland last week and will not want to play like that again. Tasman are getting better every week and with a good win Northland in Whangerai on Sunday, they will be high on confidence. A huge Invercargill crowd is expected as important competition points are on the line. A close one to pick, if Southland gets back to basics they should win but by only five points or less.
6. North Harbour vs Bay of Plenty, Albany – Saturday 7.35pm
North Harbour are gone, but have showed some improvement over the last few weeks. They had every chance to beat Waikato last week but weren’t strong enough in the end. Bay of Plenty were pipped at the post by Hawkes Bay and will be looking to hit back strong. Currently fifth on the table, Bay of Plenty will playing for the win to guide them back into the top four. It could be a close game if kept tight, Bay of Plenty by six or more points.
7. Northland vs Wellington, Whangerei – Sunday 2.35pm
Northland are second to last on the ladder and will be playing for pride. A close loss to Tasman last week didn’t help their situation, but they have nothing to lose against a exciting Wellington lineup. Wellington, currently third, have showed plenty to be thrilled about in the last few weeks with big wins against Southland and Manawatu. With their All Blacks back, they seem unstoppable and should prove far too good for Northland. Wellington by twenty points or more.
What a weekend ahead of Air New Zealand Cup rugby!
