Couch Critic previews the Mitre 10 Cup Round 3 matches taking place from the 25th to 27th of September including best bets and tryscorer specials with @Olimp_SA
Auckland let me down badly last week but it was still a seriously entertaining weekend of Mitre 10 action that went down. For Round 3 we need to keep in mind that the All Blacks have left the Comp to join the National Camp but the entertainment should remain of a high calibre and there is sure to still be some betting value around as well.
Wellington vs Bay of Plenty – Friday 25 Sept @ 09:05, Wellington
All the talk this week will be about the AB’s missing from the various provincial squads. Wellington will miss the big presence of players like Asafo Aumua, Ardie Savea and TJ Perenara. Bay of Plenty for their part will only lose the services of Sam Cane.
Despite a much bigger impact in terms of losing internationals Wellington still have a strong, Super Rugby experienced side to call on. It’s the home side’s lethal backline that looks very likely to put the visitors away with some room to spare – Vince Aso and Julian Savea have international experience whilst Peter Umaga-Jensen was one of the form players of Aotearoa 2020.
Hawkes Bay vs Canterbury – Saturday 26 Sept @ 09:05, Napier
The mighty Canterbury got stung big time last week as they were toppled by the tenacious Taranaki. This week they will have to try and avenge their defeat away from home in Napier and without a whole host of their international stars. Three from their starting tight five move on to bigger things this week whilst their backline will be much less lethal without Mo’unga and George Bridge.
The Magpies don’t have nearly the same kind of issues. This is your typical no thrills, hard grafting rugby side and the visitors will be well aware that they will have to pitch up ready to fight for their victory. I reckon Ash Dixon and his boys should keep the Cantabs honest.
Taranaki vs Otago – Sunday 27 Sept @ 03:05, Inglewood
Taranaki shocked many as they felled the giant that is Canterbury. They also took home the Ranfurly Shield to boot. This week the Naki will have to try and replicate their impressive early form without the Barrett brothers in attendance.
Otago showed some of their try-scoring potential last week as they chalked up five tries against Manawatu. Taranaki will prove a much bigger test this week for the men from the South but with no squad disruptions the visitors should be in a good position to make their hosts dig really deep for a win. I’m backing Liam Coltman in the pack and Josh Ioane out the back to lead the charge in this one.
BETOLIMP BEST BETS
Treble: Wellington win /Hawke’s Bay +14.5 / Otago +13.5 @ 2.42
Alternative Plays and Tryscorers:
Wellington vs Bay of Plenty:Anytime Tryscorer – Peter Umaga Jensen @2.90
Wellington vs Bay of Plenty: First Tryscorer – Vaea Fifita @26.00
Wellington vs Bay of Plenty: HT/FT Margin – Wellington (1-8) / Wellington (13+) @8.30
Hawkes Bay vs Canterbury: HT/FT Margin – Hawkes Bay (1-8) / Canterbury (1-12) @12.50
Hawkes Bay vs Canterbury: First Tryscorer – Josh McKay @ 11.00
Hawkes Bay vs Canterbury: Anytime Tryscorer – Ash Dixon @ 2.25
Taranaki vs Otago: HT/FT Margin – Taranaki (1-8) / Taranaki (1-12) @7.70
Taranaki vs Otago: First Tryscorer – Liam Coltman @ 26.00
Taranaki vs Otago: Last Tryscorer – Ricky Riccitelli @ 19.00
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
