Both teams have made solid starts to the NPC but Otago have a history of winning this fixture at home. I am sticking with that for this clash.
Key Stats - Otago Incredible at Dunedin
- Otago have won 7 of their last 8 home fixtures.
- Otago have won 4 consecutive home matches against Waikato.
- Waikato have lost 4 of their last 6 away games.
Otago Lead
Otago lead 6-4 in their last 10 games against Waikato.
Otago Three Wins in Four
Otago scored four tries and three conversions in the first half against Wellington last weekend, going into the break with a 26-8 lead.
The home side continued to pile on the points in the second stanza, scoring five converted tries, thrashing Wellington 61-22 at home.
Earlier in their campaign, the Blue and Gold beat Southland 41-14 away from home and lost 19-15 to Canterbury at home before defeating Manawatu 29-27 away from home.
Otago are fifth in the NPC standings with 16 points from four matches.
Otago were in tremendous touch in their previous league fixture and have recorded four consecutive home victories against Waikato, giving them the advantage to secure another win over their opponents.
Waikato Inconsistent but getting Results
Waikato scored three tries and a conversion in the first half against Counties Manukau last weekend to lead 17-12 at half-time.
Waikato produced a solid second half, scoring four converted tries to cruise to an easy 45-12 home win over Counties Manukau.
Before that, the Mooloos defeated Bay of Plenty 38-26 at home and Taranaki 38-32 away before losing 32-31 away to Southland.
Waikato are fourth in the National Provincial Championship table with 17 points from four games.
Waikato were back to their best in their previous match, but face a tough assignment away to Otago, as their hosts play well on their home turf, having won seven of their last eight fixtures.
Team News & Starting Lineups
Otago
Sam Nemec-Vial scored a brace against Wellington last weekend.
Jona Nareki, Lucas Casey, Jae Broomfield, Kieran McClea, Harry Irving, Josh Whaanga, and Slade McDowall contributed a try each.
Cameron Millar slotted eight conversions in the match.
Starting XV: Benjamin Lopas, Henry Bell, Rohan Wingham, Will Stodart, Joseva Tamani, Oliver Haig, Lucas Casey, Christian Lio-Willie (C), Kieran McClea, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Jake Te Hiwi, Josh Timu, Jae Broomfield, Sam Nemec-Vial
Replacements: Nic Souchon, Marley Pearce, Moana Takataka, Harry Irving, Slade McDowall, Joel Lam, Patrick Pellegrini, Josh Whaanga
Waikato
Oli Mathis scored two tries against Counties Manukau last weekend.
Senita Lauaki, Taha Kemara, Tepaea Cook-Savage, D'Angelo Leuila, and Daniel Sinkinson each crossed the try line in the match.
Taha Kemara landed four conversions, while Tepaea Cook-Savage kicked over one.
Starting XV: Mason Tupaea, Manaaki Boyle-Tiatia, George Dyer, Hamilton Burr, Dylan Eti, Mitch Jacobson (C), Oli Mathis, Malachi Wrampling, Rui Farrant, Taha Kemara, Nathan Stephens, Austin Anderson, Michael Naitokani, Waisake Salabiau, Daniel Sinkinson
Replacements: Pita Anae-Ah Sue, Taipari Quinn, Sefo Kautai, James Tucker, Andrew Smith, Senita Lauaki, Daiki Nakajima, Aki Tuivailala