ITM Cup round eight: Preview
The eighth round of the ITM Cup is set to go over the weekend with several question marks still surrounding some of the League’s top teams.
Preview
Waikato vs. Southland
Waikato will host Southland in Hamilton over the weekend.
Waikato played their way to a tie with Hawke’s Bay in week seven and will face an even stiffer challenge this week against a tough Southland side.
Southland has rolled through the early part of the 2010 season, having only lost one game. The club has put up incredible offensive numbers, but may have trouble against Waikato’s strong defence.
Waikato is currently in sixth with 21 points, while Southland is in second with 26 points.
Manawatu vs. Auckland
Manawatu will be taking on Auckland at home in Palmerstron over the weekend.
Manawatu suffered a loss at the hands of Bay of Plenty last week and will be hoping to get back on track against a strong Auckland side.
Auckland was able to pull out a difficult win in the rain against their rivals Wellington last week. The club has been steadily improving this season and will hope to continue their growth in week eight.
Manawatu is currently in last with seven points, while Auckland is in third with 22 points.
Taranaki vs. Canterbury
Canterbury will travel to New Plymouth to take on Taranaki in round eight.
Taranaki has had a surprisingly strong season, but will be in a tough place against a Canterbury side now filled with New Zealand internationals returning from the Tri Nations tournament.
Canterbury started out slow, but has rounded into form over the past three weeks. Favoured to win the Cup again this season they will hope to maintain their solid play against Taranaki.
Taranaki is currently in fourth with 22 points, while Canterbury is in first with 26 points.
Wellington vs. Hawke’s Bay
Wellington will host Hawke’s Bay in the nation’s capital over the weekend.
Wellington will look to reverse their fortunes after losing to their rivals Auckland last week. Their strong offence should be able to work past a weak Hawke’s Bay defensive scheme.
Hawke’s Bay was thought to be a top-seven team this season, but has been unable to find their form. With two ties this season and only one win they will have to find their game soon if they hope to finish in the top seven.
Wellington is currently in fifth with 21 points, while Hawke’s Bay are in 11th with 10 points.
Tasman vs. North Harbour
Tasman will welcome North Harbour to Nelson for their eighth round engagement.
Tasman has improved their play over the past three weeks finding their way clear of the basement. The home side will be interested in maintaining their form against a beatable North Harbour side.
Harbour was embarrassed by Southland last week and will be hoping to finally get their season on track against a hot Tasman club.
Tasman are currently in 10th with 10 points, while North Harbour are in 12th with nine points.
Otgao vs. Northland
Otago will take on Northland at home in Dunedin this weekend.
Otago fought their way to a win over Tasman last week, but still find themselves at the bottom of the table. The home team will hope their form from last week will carry over to round eight.
Northland are nestled in the middle of the pack with a legitimate chance of finishing in the top seven. Nevertheless, they will have to get wins over teams like Otago if they hope to be in the Premiership next year.
Otago are currently in 13th with nine points, while Northland are in eighth with 17 points.
Bay of Plenty vs. Counties Manukau
Bay of Plenty will play host to Counties Manukau in Mount Maunganui over the weekend.
Plenty stormed their way to victory over last place Manawatu last week, but will need to bring better form if they hope to compete against a tough Counties side.
Counties was set back with a loss to Taranaki in round seven and will be itching to get back on track against an inconsistent Bay of Plenty side.
Plenty are currently in ninth with 17 points, while Counties is in seventh with 19 points.
Tags: