Northland vs Otago Predictions - Otago can keep playoff hopes alive

Marc Thomas

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Last updated: 01 Oct 2024

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Marc Thomas 01 Oct 2024

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Northland are considered favorites at home but have little to play for.
Otago must win to qualify for the quarter-finals, having won their last two matches.
Otago has a favorable recent head-to-head record against Northland, winning 3 of the last 4 encounters.

Otago must win to qualify for the quarter-finals, having won their last two matches (Getty Images)

Northland vs Otago Predictions

Northland are favourites at home, but the hosts have very little to play for. It is a must-win for Otago, a team who have won their last two games. My best bet is for Otago to win against the odds.

Northland vs Otago Predictions
Head to Head
Northland Form
Northland Injuries & Team News
Otago Form
Otago Injuries & Team News

Northland have lost 7 of their last 9 matches.
Otago have won their last 2 matches.
Otago have won 3 of their last 4 matches against Northland.

Head to Head

Otago have won three of their last four matches against Northland. They met last season, a game Otago won 30-15 at home.

Northland Form

Northland are 12th on the table going into the final round of fixtures. They have no further ability to qualify for the playoffs so this will be their final fixture of the season.

Over the course of the season, Northland have won just two and lost seven of their nine games. Over the last three weeks, Northland have lost to Auckland by seven points, beat North Harbour 47-24 at home and were thrashed last week 53-13 by Bay of Plenty.

Northland Injuries & Team News

With this being the final game of the season, Northland are expected to field a full-strength side.

Otago Form

Otago are 10th on the NPC table after nine matches and can still qualify for the quarter-finals. However, they will have to win here, likely with a bonus point and then hope some other results fall in their favour.

Inconsistency has cost Otago this season as they have had some very good performances and victories, but then lost games they should have won. A four-match losing streak between 31 August and 15 September was Otago’s downfall.

They ended that streak by beating Manawatu 28-10 a fortnight ago. Las week, Otago handed Tasman their first defeat of the season, winning 47-31 at home.

Otago Injuries & Team News

This is a must-win game for Otago. A victory will take them into the top eight with others to play on Saturday and Sunday. Expect a strong Otago side.

Verdict

Northland v Otago Razorbacks

I am backing Otago to get within three points and perhaps win the contest.

Otago +3

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