NPC Round 5 Betting Tips - Can Canterbury extend their perfect run in the NPC in 2025?

The fifth week of the NPC is here, and we have the best bets from a handful of the top games happening this weekend. 

Canterbury have been outstanding this season, and they are the only side with a 100% winning record after four games. Their 26-7 win over Hawke's Bay on the road last week was as good a performance as they have put in this term, and many will back them to make it four consecutive wins at home when taking last season's results into account. The last time Canterbury played Manawatu, they hammered them 68-26, and I predict more of the same this week. 

Manawatu have managed to secure two wins from their opening four games in a fairly good start to the new season. Wins over North Harbour and Wellington were impressive, but both of their away games against Tasman and Southland ended in defeat. I worry for Manawatu in this one, and I predict their winning run will end at a single game. 

Counties Manukau are spared the bottom of the ladder by North Harbour's woeful one point and -73 points difference. However, not to be completely outdone, the home side have just three points and a -72 points difference. A 33-19 loss to Otago in their last game saw Counties Manukau really struggle, and it is tough to see them bouncing back against Taranaki this week. 

Taranaki have looked very strong this season, although they were dealt their first defeat in heart-breaking style last week as they slipped to a 23-22 home loss to Waikato. Despite this defeat, Taranaki arrive with two away wins this season along with four away wins when including last season. With the travelling side in great form, I back them to hand their hosts a fifth successive loss this term.