New Zealand start as hot favourites at home to Australia in this first Bledisloe clash taking place in Eden Park, Auckland on Saturday. We take a look at the game from a betting angle.
The All Blacks warmed up for the Bledisloe Cup by hammering Tonga 102-0 and then beating Fiji by 34 and 47 points respectively.
Australia were favourites to see off France at home given that the French were leaving most of their stars behind, but the French came out firing and very nearly won the 1st Test going down 23-21 to a late Australian fight back.
The visitors then won the 2nd Test 28-26 and despite a red card Australia fought gamely to win the decider 33-30.
TEAMS
ALL BLACKS
15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 David Havili, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Dalton Papalii, 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Sam Whitelock (captain), 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower.
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Luke Jacobson, 21 Brad Weber, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Jordie Barrett
WALLABIES
15 Tom Banks, 14 Jordan Petaia, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Andrew Kellaway, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Darcy Swain, 3 Allan Ala’alatoa, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Matt Philip, 20 Fraser McReight, 21 Jake Gordon, 22 Matt To’omua, 23 Reece Hodge
The Wallabies haven't beaten the All Blacks in Auckland in 35 years. Last season they lost at Eden Park 27-7, but they did push the All Blacks to a 16-16 draw in Wellington. In the 2 home matches they were given a 38 point thumping by the All Blacks in Sydney, but then Australia finally got their win 24-22 in Brisbane.
BETTING – Click here to bet
New Zealand 1/14
Draw 50/1
Australia 10/1
Handicap: New Zealand (-21.5) at 9/10, Australia (+21.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Australia (+21.5) at 9/10
New Zealand have not convinced me under their coach, Ian Foster and although Australia had to work hard for their series win against France, I think the tough matches will stand them in good stead and they can beat the handicap in Eden Park.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
