Waikato vs Hawkes Bay Predictions & Tips - Hawkes Bay set for narrow win

Hawkes Bay have won four of their last five matches against Waikato with the other ending in a 32-all draw in 2022. Last season, Hawkes Bay won 35-32 at home.

Waikato are currently in sixth place on the NPC table with three wins and three defeats from six fixtures. They are on 17 points, only three off Taranaki in fifth and five of Bay of Plenty in fourth.

In round one, Waikato lost at home to Bay of Plenty but have won their subsequent two on home soil against Auckland and Northland.

Last week, away from home, Waikato were very good against a strong Taranaki side, eventually losing the match 25-19.

Waikato need to get some results in the last few weeks to secure a top eight finish. These home games will be particularly crucial, so don’t expect any key players to be rested.

Hawkes Bay come into this fixture at the top of the table with five wins from their six matches. They are on 27 points, two ahead of Wellington who have a game in hand.

The only defeat Hawkes Bay has suffered this season came last Saturday when they went down 25-24 to Tasman at home. It was a game they could easily have won, and probably should have in the second half.

Before that, Hawkes Bay won five in a row while they have also won their last two away fixtures. This will be a tough challenge, but The Bay have performed well this season on the road.

Hawkes Bay’s credentials will be tested over the next two weeks, so I do not expect them to change too much in terms of personal.