The opening match of the Rugby Championship takes place in Sydney on Saturday and this game is also the 3rd leg of the Bledisloe Cup. We take a look at the match from a betting angle.
Australia got the Dave Rennie era off to an excellent start when they drew 16-16 with the All Blacks in Wellington 3 weeks back. They failed to hold that intensity when the sides met in Auckland a fortnight ago and the All Blacks eventually coming out on top 27-7.
Australia have won 2 of their last 3 test matches at home to New Zealand beating them 47-26 in Perth in 2019 but New Zealand have won their last 3 matches against Australia in Sydney.
Australia have been forced to make a number of changes and field an inexperienced backline and all eyes will be on No 10, Noah Lolesio as he takes over from the injured veteran James O’Connor.
The All Black side look far more settled and I am particularly pleased to see Hoskins Sotutu getting a start at 8.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Australia 31/10
Draw 25/1
New Zealand 2/7
Handicap: Australia (+10.5) at 9/10, New Zealand (-10.5) at 9.10
Suggested Bet: First Try Scorer, Caleb Clarke at 8/1
It was impossible not to be impressed with Clark’s debut and I am backing him to be the first player across for a 5 pointer.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, New Zealand (-10.5) at 9/10
This will be a big test for Dave Rennie’s Australians and I think that at the end of 80 minutes they are going to be found wanting and that this New Zealand side will pull clear to win comfortably.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
