---
title: "Otago vs Waikato NPC preview: Confirmed lineups"
canonical: "https://readrugbyunion.com/2026/08/28/otago-waikato-2026/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Jonny Black"
section: "News"
published: "2026-08-28T21:30:18Z"
modified: "2026-09-25T00:36:19Z"
---

# Otago vs Waikato NPC preview: Confirmed lineups

Otago Rugby Union head into round 5 of the NPC just one point behind Waikato, and this preview has been updated on 25 September 2026 to reflect where both sides stand ahead of Saturday’s meeting at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Waikato sit on 17 points, Otago on 16, and both have won three of their opening four games.

## Updated Otago v Waikato Match Position

Four rounds in, there is barely anything between these two sides. Otago have won three of four so far this season, and Waikato have matched that record exactly. The single point that separates them in the table sums up how close this race has been.

Form lines up with the table. Otago arrive on the back of a 61-22 win over Wellington, a match in which they crossed for nine tries. That kind of scoring rate will worry Waikato, who have their own recent statement result to point to.

Waikato beat Counties Manukau 45-12 last time out. Both teams, then, come into this fixture scoring heavily and winning comfortably, which should make for an open contest at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

## How Otago and Waikato Stand in the NPC

Waikato’s 17 points from four games puts them just ahead of Otago on 16. With identical win records of three from four, the gap comes down to bonus points and margins rather than any real difference in form.

That tightness makes round 5 a genuine six-pointer in all but name. A win for Otago at home would flip the top of this mini table, while a Waikato victory would stretch their lead to four points.

Readers following the wider domestic picture can find our [broader New Zealand rugby updates](https://readrugbyunion.com/2026/09/08/rugby-union-news-today-mike-blair-on-all-blacks-attack-england-squad-changes-and-more/) useful for context beyond this fixture, alongside our [latest rugby news daily roundup](https://readrugbyunion.com/2026/09/03/rugby-union-news-today-all-blacks-team-named-pollock-1-million-offer-and-more/).

## Otago Rugby Union Fixture and Kick-off Details

Otago host Waikato at Forsyth Barr Stadium in round 5 of the NPC. Kick-off is set for 6:05am UK time, which is 5:05pm in New Zealand.

Fans in the UK will need an early alarm for this one, given the time difference. In New Zealand, supporters get a straightforward Saturday teatime kick-off at the stadium.

## What Happens Next

With three wins apiece and only a point in it, this fixture could easily decide who holds the upper hand going into the back half of the competition. Otago will fancy their chances on home soil after that try-scoring display against Wellington.

Waikato travel south full of confidence too, having put 45 points past Counties Manukau. Whoever wins at Forsyth Barr Stadium takes real momentum into the rest of the NPC season. Our [original Otago v Waikato preview](https://readrugbyunion.com/2026/08/28/otago-waikato-2026/) has more background on how this fixture built up.