NPC Round 6 Betting Tips - Southland to end Canterbury's perfect start to the NPC season?

• NPC Round 6 Betting Tips
• Southland vs Canterbury 
• Taranaki vs Bay Of Plenty 

The sixth week of the NPC kicks off with each game vital in the battle to secure a playoff spot. We have brought together our best betting tips for the pick of the matches this week. 

Southland have been excellent in recent weeks, with the side notching three consecutive wins as they have stormed up the ladder. Now sitting in eighth with 13 points from five games, Southland have impressed. Surprisingly, Southland have been patchy at home, winning once and losing once. They have also lost their last six against Canterbury, and I worry for them as their winning run comes under huge threat. 

Canterbury have been the best side in the competition this season, with five wins coming from their opening five matches. While both Taranaki and Tasman are just behind them, Canterbury will not be too worried about those chasing them in the table. They have rarely been troubled across their opening five, while they boast six wins in their last six against Southland. I back another statement win for Canterbury in this one as they continue to build. 

Despite losing one of their opening five, Taranaki are just three points and one place off top-spot, with the side looking good this season. Their 23-22 loss to Waikato will be a sore subject, especially when considering Waikato have not been hugely consistent so far. It will also worry Taranaki that they have lost their last three against Bay Of Plenty. With Bay Of Plenty boasting a very strong away record, I am backing against the home side in this one. 

Bay Of Plenty have won three of their opening five in a fairly good start to the season. A brace of defeats was eventually followed by a win over North Harbour, although this victory came over a side that have now lost their opening six. It is worth bearing in mind that Bay Of Plenty have won both of their away games, while they are aiming for a fourth consecutive win over their opponents, and I back them to notch a statement victory.