Air New Zealand Cup Rugby 2009: Week 12 Predictions

The big guns are showing their potential, as the Air New Zealand Cup standings begin to take shape. Week twelve points are vital, as the round robin comes to a close. This week’s games could determine placings in the top four. Here are my predictions.

Hawke’s Bay vs Canterbury – Napier – Thursday 7.35pm

The biggest game of the round. The two teams face off in a top of the table clash at Mclean Park, a full house looming. Canterbury are seven points ahead at the top and will be looking to seal a home semi-final and a runaway lead in the standings. The match means more for Hawke’s Bay, placing just one point ahead of the fast finishing Wellington Lions in the top four. Both teams back-lines are exciting and forwards very dominant. Hawke’s Bay have a big chance to upset the visitors. A Hawke’s Bay home victory by less than five points.

Southland vs Taranaki – Invercargill – Friday 7.35pm

The Stags demolished Tasman last week and will be looking to do the same against a Taranaki team with nothing to lose. Auckland put an end to Taranaki’s semi-final hopes last weekend, in shocking conditions at New Plymouth. All Taranaki can hope for is better weather and a more improved effort heading towards the end of their campaign. The Stags all round dominance may prove too much, unless they squander under pressure with a possible semi-final spot on the line. A big Invercargill crowd should get the home side through though, by more than seven points.

Manawatu vs Bay Of Plenty – Palmerston North – Friday 7.35pm

Bay Of Plenty are currently eighth on the ladder and missed out on a big opportunity last weekend , being beaten by a much improved North Harbour team. Manawatu are in the bottom four and dissapointed, after a encouraging start to the season. With both team’s seasons basically over, there is nothing to lose. Bay Of Plenty are a better all round team and should win by more than ten points.

Wellington vs North Harbour – Wellington – Saturday 2.35pm

This game could be something special if North Harbour brings their “A” game to Westpac Stadium. The Harbour boys have shown glimpses of brilliance towards the end of the season, beating Bay Of Plenty easily at Albany last weekend. A star studded Wellington Lions should win easily but the match could be different if the away side is underestimated. Wellington are a better team all round and with arguably the best back-line in competition, should win by more than ten points.

Otago vs Tasman – Dunedin – Saturday 5.30pm

Tasman’s heartbreak from last weeks thrashing from Southland could backfire on Otago this weekend at Carisbrook. Tasman stand a small outside chance of making the final four but must produce two bonus point wins in the final rounds.  Otago played a good game against Waikato but were unlucky to lose last week. It will be a close one but Tasman can pull one out of the bag by less than five points.

Waikato vs Northland – Hamilton – Saturday 7.35pm

Fifth place Waikato will be in the bonus point hunt on Saturday night and should produce that performance against a lowly rated Northland team. Waikato are a well oiled unit and have played some great football in the last few weeks, their back-line showcasing their true potential. Brendon Leanord and Donald should rule the show and lead to a easy Waikato victory by more than twenty points.

Auckland vs Counties-Manakau – Auckland – Sunday 2.35pm

Counties knocked over Auckland last year in the round robin but no repeat is expected at Eden Park on Sunday. Counties Manakau, who are currently sitting on the bottom of the ladder, were easily dispatched by Hawke’s Bay last weekend and will find it tough going against a form Auckland team. Auckland will be hoping for much improved weather after the mud bath in New Plymouth last weekend resulted in a low scoring affair. Auckland should prove too strong, winning by more than twenty points.

Another big weekend of rugby ahead, will the semi finalists be all but confirmed? let’s wait and see.