Hawke's Bay are unbeaten in the NPC this season and look strong contenders. They have also dominated this fixture historically - I can only see one winner here.
Key Stats - Hawkes Bay have Won Six of their last Seven
- Hawke's Bay have won 6 of their last 7 fixtures.
- Hawke's Bay have won 4 consecutive home games.
- Hawke's Bay have won 10 consecutive matches against Manawatu.
- Manawatu have lost 6 of their last 7 fixtures.
- Manawatu have lost 14 consecutive away games.
Dominant Hawke's
In 15 matches, Hawke's Bay lead 11-4 against Manawatu.
Hawke's Bay Strong Start to Campaign
Hawke's Bay scored three tries and a conversion in the first half against Auckland last weekend, going into the break with the score at 17-17.
However, Hawke's Bay produced an excellent second-half display, scoring three converted tries and two penalties to come out on top against Auckland, winning 44-31 away from home.
Before that, the Magpies started their NPC campaign strongly with a 55-33 away win against Wellington and a 50-19 home victory against Tasman.
Hawke's Bay are first in the National Provincial Championship standings with 15 points after three matches.
Hawke's Bay have been in great touch so far this season, winning all their games, and they have compiled an impressive record against Manawatu recently, having recorded ten consecutive victories against their opponents.
Manawatu Fast Starts, Poor Finishes
Manawatu scored two converted tries and a penalty in the first half against Otago last weekend to lead their opponents 17-7 at half-time.
However, Manawatu only managed to score a converted try and a penalty in the second half, losing 29-27 to Otago at home.
Before that, the Turbos struggled in their NPC season opener, losing 40-14 to Northland away from home before bouncing back with a narrow 36-35 home win over Southland.
Manawatu are 11th in the National Provincial Championship table with six points after three games.
Manawatu must find a way to overturn their poor away form to have a chance of victory against Hawke's Bay, having lost 14 consecutive fixtures on the road, including five in a row to their opponents.
Team News
Hawke's Bay Magpies
Try: Zarn Sullivan and Cooper Flanders each scored a brace against Auckland last weekend.
Kianu Kereru-Symes and Harry Godfrey scored a try each.
Harry Godfrey landed four conversions and two penalties in the match.
The line-up for the Hawke's Bay team will be added once it has been announced.
Manawatu
George Worboys, John Tapueluelu, and Taniela Filimone each crossed the try line against Otago last weekend.
George Worboys slotted three conversions and two penalties in the match.
The team for Manawatu will be added once it has been announced.