TAB: The punters guide to round three of the Mitre 10 Cup

Photo TAB / Supplied

The TAB run over the upcoming round of the Mitre 10 Cup and provide some tips for the games ahead.

Best bet

North Harbour v Tasman
Points Start: Tasman -5.5 ($1.80)

Tasman's win over Canterbury in the opening week put the competition on notice and they were again comfortable last week in dispatching Southland. North Harbour will no doubt be more of a challenge than the Stags but the hosts have showed little to get excited about so far in 2018 with two one-point wins against Championship sides.

Harbour's outside backs have looked strong, as has Dillon Hunt, but Tasman boast a ridiculous amount of depth - depth only improved this week with Tim Perry and Shannon Frizell getting released from All Blacks duties to play. Tasman look to be great value here.

Next best

Bay of Plenty v Canterbury
Points Start: Bay of Plenty +9.5 ($1.87)

The bookies have looked too much into the fact that this is a cross-over match, somewhat ignoring that Bay of Plenty have already beaten two Premiership sides, Taranaki and Counties Manukau, this season. They've conceded an average of just 13.5 points across those two games. Canterbury are probably better than both sides that BOP have beaten, though it seems like the Steamers will again cover with a +9.5 points start at home after an unconvincing Canterbury performance last week.

Best roughie

Manawatu v Otago
Head to Head: Otago ($2.30)

Manawatu were put to the sword by Taranaki last weekend in their Ranfurly Shield challenge. Their defence was the least bit impressive, missing 22 tackles, but Otago can't say theirs was any better, making a woeful 69% of their tackle attempts. It's hard to pick a winner in this one but don't be surprised if Otago cause an upset with Liam Coltman released from the All Blacks.

Best real wide

Bay of Plenty v Canterbury
1st Scoring Play: BOP Try ($4.50)

Canterbury have been slow starters in their two games to start the season, having failed to score the first try on both occasions. Bay of Plenty, on the other hand, have been the exact opposite, being the first side to dot down in their games against both Taranaki and Counties Manukau. This is a trend worth having a punt on at a generous price.

Multi

Tasman-5.5/BOP +9.5/Auckland