International Rugby returns to our screens this weekend and it is an early start for South Africans with New Zealand taking on Australia in Wellington at 05:00 South African time on Sunday and we take a look at the match from a betting angle.
Both of these sides play their first test matches of the year and to make it more interesting they also have new coaches at the helm. For New Zealand, Ian Foster takes the reins and he certainly has plenty of pressure on him with New Zealanders accustomed to success. The All Blacks have as always named a strong side and Sam Cane will Captain the team who go into this game as big favourites.
Dave Rennie has his first match as coach of the Wallabies and there seems to be an air of expectation in Australia that they could be turning the corner at last. He couldn’t have asked for a harder start though although he can perhaps be grateful though that the game is being played in Wellington and not Auckland which is a real All Black fortress.
Last year Australia beat New Zealand 47-26 in Perth, but New Zealand stormed back with a 36-0 win at Eden Park. Both sides were beaten by England in the knock-out stages of the Rugby World Cup.
Australia have not won in New Zealand since the Bledisloe Cup victory back in Dunedin in 2001 and in the last 8 matches against Australia, New Zealand has scored 29 points or more, reaching 40 points 50% of the time.
BETTING – Click here to bet
New Zealand 1/10
Draw 33/1
Australia 13/2
Handicap: New Zealand (-17.5) at 9/10, Australia (+17.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Handicap, New Zealand (-17.5) at 9/10
I can’t look past the All Blacks on the handicap here and while I expect an exciting encounter with Australia offering some early resistance, class will tell in the end and I am backing the All Blacks by 18 or more.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
