The second round of the Bledisloe Cup is scheduled for this Saturday, August 5th, at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin and we preview the match from a betting angle.
With 2023 being a World Cup year the Bledisloe Cup includes only two games
Last week the New Zealand team put up an impressive performance, easily defeating the Wallabies by 31 points in Melbourne. Therefore, regardless of the outcome this weekend, the All Blacks have secured the Bledisloe Cup for a remarkable 21st consecutive year. Despite the trophy being decided, the g game is still anticipated to be exciting, as both teams use it as an opportunity to enhance their preparations for the Rugby World Cup.
AUSTRALIA v NEW ZEALAND – Click here to bet
New Zealand
The All Blacks have been on a phenomenal streak in the past few months, remaining undefeated in their last 9 international games, securing an impressive 8 victories, and having one match (against England) ending in a draw. Their fearsome form was on full display during this year’s Rugby Championship, where they convincingly claimed victory in all 3 of their matches.
Heading into this match, the All Blacks are committed to maintaining their intensity and a high level of performance. Assistant coach, Jason Ryan, has identified key areas for improvement, with particular emphasis on honing their breakdown skills, which he believes fell short in their last encounter with the Wallabies.
A year ago many were writing the All Blacks off as World Cup contenders but now they are a team to be feared as they confidently head towards the global rugby showpiece.
Australia
The Australian rugby team, led by Coach Eddie Jones, has faced challenges in finding their rhythm since he took over a few months ago. Their recent results have been poor, losing all 3 of their games in the Rugby Championship, including a home loss to Argentina.
Given their form prior to the change in coaching as well as Jones’ experience at international level the defeat to Argentina and the one sided nature of their losses to the Boks and All Blacks was a shock to their fanbase.
Despite making changes to find the best 23-man squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup, the team has struggled to perform as a unit, leaving supporters doubting whether the Wallabies will be able to turn things around in time.
The side certainly have massive pressure on them to make a statement this weekend and although they are big underdogs they have the players to put in a performance that can boost confidence for the challenges ahead.
Head-to-Head
Australia have not beaten New Zealand since 2020, and out of the last six encounters, three have taken place in New Zealand, with winning margins of 12, 35 and 26 respectively for the All Blacks.
Handicap: New Zealand -23.5
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VERDICT
Australia are under immense pressure and they will be desperate to put up a serious fight this weekend. I think that once again they will fall short to this well-oiled All Black side, leaving them in major trouble ahead of the RWC.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, New Zealand -23.5 at 19/20
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
