Bledisloe Cup 2020: New Zealand v Australia betting tips, prediction & odds

Welcome to our preview of the opening Bledisloe Cup rugby match between New Zealand and Australia at Sky Stadium in Wellington on the north island of New Zealand.

Of course this is the annual battle between old foes the All Blacks and Wallabies, a contest which has been dominated by the Kiwis for many years, though this is vastly different to what has come before.

With the COVID-19 pandemic throwing world sport into chaos, the build-up to this series is like none before.

The All Blacks and Wallabies are rebuilding after falling short in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. New Zealand fell short in the semi-finals against England after being hot favourites to win the title, with the Springboks of South Africa eventually taking that honour.

New Zealand and Australia both have new coaches and have had to prepare through domestic Super Rugby competitions played among only their home teams. So the Australian teams have tasted plenty of victories, but it won’t be so easy against the powerful All Blacks.

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New Zealand’s new coach is Ian Foster, who was a long-time assistant All Blacks coach to the legendary Stve Hansen. Meanwhile, Kiwi Dave Rennie has taken the reins at the Wallabies, as the Australians try to tap into the quality of rugby of their near neighbours.

The forecast is for an overcast day in Wellington and coolish weather with a good chance of rain. Perfect conditions for rugby.

The bookies have made the All Blacks incredibly short at $1.11 with the Wallabies at $6.40 with PlayUp. While we agree the home team should be firm favourites, those odds seem a little extreme.

Both these teams will need time to gel, with the Wallabies including four debutants in Queensland Reds Harry Wilson, Hunter Paisami and Filipo Daugunu and Brumbies playmaker Noah Lolesio.

The All Blacks have named Chiefs lock Tupou Vaa’i, Blues No.8 Hoskins Sotutu and Blues back Caleb Clarke on the bench to make their Test debuts.

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2020 Bledisloe Cup fixture

October 11: 4pm NZ time, 2pm (AEDT) New Zealand v Australia, Sky Stadium, Wellington
October 18: 4pm NZ time, 2pm (AEDT) New Zealand v Australia, Eden Park, Auckland
October 31: 9.45pm NZ time, 7:45pm (AEDT) Australia v New Zealand, ANZ Stadium, Sydney
November 7: 9.45pm NZ time, 7:45pm (AEDT) Australia v New Zealand, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

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2020 Bledisloe Cup teams

Australia: James Slipper, Folau Fainga’a, Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Philip, Harry Wilson, Michael Hooper, Pete Samu; Nic White, James O’Connor, Marika Koroibete, Matt To’omua, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Tom Banks. Reserves:  Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Simmons, Rob Valetini, Jake Gordon, Noah Lolesio, Reece Hodge.

New Zealand: Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Ofa Tuungafasi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Whitelock, Shannon Frizell, Sam Cane (captain), Ardie Savea; Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga, George Bridge, Jack Goodhue, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Damian McKenzie. Reserves: Dane Coles, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Nepo Laulala, Tupou Vaa’i, Hoskins Sotutu, TJ Perenara, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke.

 

Read on for our free New Zealand v Australia tips ahead of their clash at Sky Stadium, Wellington, on Sunday, October 11.

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All Blacks v Wallabies odds

Start:	2pm (AEDT), October 11
Venue:	Sky Stadium, Wellington
Head-to-head odds:	New Zealand ($1.11) v Australia ($6.40)
Line betting:	New Zealand -15.5 ($1.92) v Australia +15.5 ($1.88)

All Blacks v Wallabies

Our rugby union betting expert has scoured the odds and found several value tips for Sunday’s Bledisloe Cup game.

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All Blacks v Wallabies prediction 10/10/2020

The Kiwis have had a long break since their Super Rugby Aotearoa finished but you just know they will put out a world-class display. The Wallabies are rebuilding and it will be fascinating to see how they shape up. Every All Blacks match means a lot to the nation, so there is no chance of them dropping their guard. Our final New Zealand v Australia prediction: All Blacks by 6 points. 

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All Blacks v Wallabies lowdown

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