Couch Critic previews the first Bledisloe Cup clash between New Zealand and Australia on Sunday including best bets with @Olimp_SA
Round 4 of Mitre 10 delivered a knockout blow to me but thankfully international rugby returns in the form of the Bledisloe Cup. The two old cross-Tasman rivals will meet for a four-match contest over the next month. First up we have the Kiwis hosting the Wallabies in Wellington to get the action started.
New Zealand vs Australia – Sunday 11 Oct @ 05:00, Wellington
International rugby is finally back on our screens! Saffas might have to get up in the early hours of the morning for this one but given the long wait I’m sure most rugby fans (and punters) won’t mind one bit.
Both teams go into this clash with brand new coaches at the helm. Ian Foster has of course raised a few eyebrows with his first All Black team – one of the big points of contention being his decision to stick with the Mo’unga and Beauden 10/15 combination (before BB pulled out with a late withdrawal). Rieko Ioane gets his shot at making the All Black 13 jumper his own whilst Seevu Reece and the in-form Will Jordan couldn’t crack the nod for the starting line-up.
Dave Rennie opted for Pete Samu in his backrow as he clearly realises his need for a bit more grunt in his pack. Harry Wilson’s form for the Reds was rewarded with a debut partnering Samu. Filipo Daugunu on the rightwing has also comes in off the back of domestic form.
It remains a firm fact that Australian rugby is not in a good place at present and the New Zealanders will have had taken much more competitive advantage from Super Rugby Aotearoa than the Aussies to from Rugby AU’s internal version. I don’t think Rennie has much of a chance to sip champagne after his first effort but he should be reasonably happy if his side at least makes the home side sweat for their victory.
Betolimp Bets
Best Bet – Australia Half Time +7.5 @ 1.80
I’m expecting the Aussies to come out fired up to impress their new coach, yet it could be tough keeping that effort going for the entire 80 against the lethal Kiwis.
HT/FT Margin: Australia (1-8) / New Zealand (1-12) @ 13.00
Continuing on from the above view of how I see things playing out.
First Tryscorer – Michael Hooper @ 41.00
No one will be keener than Hooper to start this new cycle strong against the old foe. He loved his meat pie and is available at a good price here.
Last Tryscorer – Dane Coles @ 15.00
I have to throw in a hooker for the first test match of the revised season! Coles on his home track should come off the bench with plenty of energy and a hunger for the line.
Additional Play
Mitre 10 Best Bet:
Northland vs Southland – Northland -8.5 @1.84 (Sunday 11 Oct)
Southland have impressed in all their matches thus far. The men from the South have specialised in pulling their opponents into a tight, ugly tussle – never pretty but often extremely successful. This time around they will face a Northland side fresh off putting four tries past Taranaki. With good weather conditions expected for this day game in Northland I expect the home side to hand their opponents a sound beating as the likes of Rene Ranger and Gregory get unleashed.
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
