Fiji v New Zealand betting tips and prediction
Welcome to our Fiji v New Zealand betting tips and prediction for their Rugby League World Cup clash on the Gold Coast on Saturday afternoon.
New Zealand are extremely short 1.01 favourites to defeat Fiji, who are paying around 35.00 with betting sites. But given what we have seen from both teams, those odds look a little ridiculous.
The Kiwis are among the favourites to win the World Cup, although they began their campaign with a narrow 24-22 defeat to Australia, before thrashing the Cook Islands 82-16.
Fiji have been impressive throughout the tournament, opening with a 40-12 victory over the Cook Islands before giving Australia an almighty scare in Brisbane.
The Bati led the Kangaroos 16-12 early in the second half before eventually going down 36-22, with Semi Valemei crossing for three tries.
This is effectively a knockout match, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals and the loser heading home. New Zealand will be without injured superstar Kalyn Ponga, while Fiji have shown enough to suggest they can make this a genuine contest.
Fiji v New Zealand betting tips
WGL’s rugby league betting expert has assessed the market and found some value Fiji v New Zealand betting tips:
Fiji +35.5 points
We simply cannot understand why the bookmakers have set such a massive line for this clash. Fiji pushed Australia all the way last weekend and have the forward pack to trouble the Kiwis. New Zealand should win, but expecting them to cover a 36-point handicap against a side playing for its World Cup survival seems a stretch. We like Fiji +35.5 points, with the caveat being they put forward another gutsy display, like they did against Aussies.
Semi Valemei anytime try-scorer
The Fiji winger was outstanding against Australia, crossing for three tries and causing all sorts of problems for the Kangaroos’ defence. Valemei has the speed and power to trouble New Zealand out wide, particularly if Fiji can get some decent attacking opportunities. The Kiwis conceded 16 points against the Cook Islands last weekend, so their defence is certainly not impenetrable. We like Valemei to cross again.
Over 44.5 total points
Both teams have demonstrated their attacking ability throughout the tournament, while neither has been particularly convincing defensively. New Zealand conceded 24 points against Australia and another 16 against the Cook Islands, while Fiji have scored 62 points across their opening two matches. We expect an entertaining contest with plenty of attacking football, making over 44.5 points an attractive option. You could do worse than place a same game multi, with our selections on this match.
Fiji v New Zealand prediction
New Zealand deserve favouritism and should have too much class across the park, but we cannot see them running away with this one. Fiji were outstanding against Australia and will be desperate to keep their World Cup campaign alive. The Kiwis have more attacking weapons and greater depth, which should eventually prove decisive. Our final Fiji v New Zealand prediction? New Zealand 32 defeat Fiji 20.
