Canterbury are on a five-match unbeaten run at home and while Bay of Plenty have won their last two, I am leaning on the hosts in this one.
Key Stats - Canterbury in Superb Form
- Canterbury have won 6 consecutive fixtures.
- Canterbury have won 5 consecutive home games.
- Canterbury have won 3 consecutive home matches against Bay of Plenty.
- Bay of Plenty have won 3 of their last 5 away fixtures.
- Bay of Plenty have lost 3 of their last 4 matches against Canterbury.
Canterbury Lead
Canterbury lead 6-3 in their last nine matches against Bay of Plenty.
Canterbury Unbeaten in Five at Home
Canterbury scored two tries and a conversion in the first half against Otago last weekend, going into the break 12-3 ahead.
Canterbury added a converted try in the second half to beat Otago 19-15 away from home.
Before that, the Red and Blacks kicked off their NPC campaign with a 38-31 home victory over Auckland.
Canterbury have an opportunity to record their third straight win of the new season when they host Bay of Plenty, having defeated their opponents three consecutive times on their home turf.
Bay of Plenty Struggle on the Road
Bay of Plenty registered a dramatic first win of their new National Provincial Championship season last weekend, beating Northland 34-31 at home after leading 24-12 at the break.
The Steamers lost 38-26 to Waikato away from home at the start of the new National Provincial Championship season.
Bay of Plenty have a tricky test to overcome away to Canterbury this weekend, as their opponents have been in solid form recently, having won six consecutive fixtures, including five in a row at home.
Lineups & Team News
Canterbury
Brodie McAlister scored a brace against Otago last weekend, while Jamie Hannah contributed one try.
Richie Mo'unga slotted two conversions in the match.
Starting XV: Finlay Brewis, Brodie McAlister (C), Jermaine Ainsley, Liam Jack, Jamie Hannah, Tahur Cahill, Corey Kellow, Dominic Gardiner, Louie Chapman, Richie Mo’unga, Ngatugane Punivai, Jone Rova, Dallas McLeod, Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicholl
Replacements: Manumaua Letiu, Daniel Lientjes-Brown, Seb Calder, Xavier Treacy, Phoenix Abbott, Tyson Belworthy, Andrew Knewstubb, Toby Bell
Bay of Plenty Steamers
Nikora Broughton scored a brace against Northland last weekend.
Jason Robertson, Tevita Mafileo, and Regan Ware contributed one try each in the match.
Jason Robertson landed three conversions and a penalty.
Starting XV: Benet Kumerōa, Taine Kolose, Tevita Mafileo, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi (C), Jai Knight, Joe Johnston, Veveni Lasaqa, Nikora Broughton, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Riley Hohepa, Cole Forbes, Reon Paul, Tāmiro Armstrong, Regan Ware, Jason Robertson
Replacements: Sione Tupou, Harold Rounds, Solomone Tukuafu, Reuben Palmer, Kalin Felise, Charlie Sinton, Lucas Cashmore, Roderick Solo