Rugby Southland vs Waikato Rugby Union Prediction & Odds

Southland hosts Waikato with contrasting recent fortunes, as the Stags carry a five-game losing streak into the fixture while Waikato enters unbeaten in the 2026 NPC season. While Southland secured a 25-10 victory over Waikato last year, the Mooloos had comfortably won the two prior encounters, 38-14 and 29-21.

For Southland, captain Sean Withy will be pivotal, alongside the experience of prop Sef Fa'agase and emerging talent like first five-eighth Mika Muliaina, who is also an NZ U20s player. Young Jimmy Taylor, the current top point scorer in the 2026 NPC with 24 points, also stands out for the Stags.

The match will highlight Southland's resilience amidst a 'horror preseason, injury-wise,' leading to six academy players featuring in their matchday 23 against an in-form Waikato side. Look for Waikato to exploit any defensive vulnerabilities, while Southland will rely on their young talent and home crowd to spark an upset.