Taranaki vs Manawatu Predictions - Bonus point win tipped for Taranaki

Taranaki have won their last nine matches against Manawatu. Last season saw Taranaki win 26-17 away from home.

Taranaki have put themselves in a solid position in 2024 as they attempt to defend their title. They are currently third on the table, but a bonus point win here could send them second, or top depending on other results.

With six wins in eight, the Bulls have been solid this season. Last week they beat North Harbour 31-25 at home, which wasn’t the most convincing display, but like all season, they got the job done.

Taranaki will want a bonus point win at home so that they can go into the final week with a chance of topping the table.

Manawatu are having an atrocious season with seven defeats and one victory thus far. They are bottom of the table with two matches to play, five points off Southland.

The only game Manawatu have won this season came at home against the Southland Stags in midweek last week. They failed to back it up at the weekend, losing 28-10 at home to Otago.

I expect Manawatu to make a few changes from last week’s clash against Otago.