Australia placed one hand on the Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 2002 when downing the All Blacks in Sydney last week, but face a monumental task in sealing the series at New Zealand Rugby’s spiritual home – Eden Park on Saturday night.
The Wallabies will be brimming with confidence ahead of the match but New Zealand will do everything in their power not to lose the 2015 Bledisloe Cup and will also be seeking winning form leading into this year’s World Cup.
We’re offering the best odds on the widest range of markets for the 2015 Bledisloe Cup Game 2!
Australia
Australia have produced several impressive efforts through this year’s Rugby Championship, but undoubtedly none more impressive than last week’s competition-sealing win over the All Blacks last weekend.
Given little chance for success in head-to-head betting markets, the Wallabies were not without fault but produced several impressive set plays and responses, and played a competitive 80 minutes of rugby to run out 27-19 winners.
The win also unearthed several exciting options for the Wallabies; particularly that of Nick White who played only 20 minutes off the bench at scrum half, scoring 15 points. Matt Toomua was equally impressive; adding several dimensions to Australia’s attack in the second half.
The decision to play key forwards Michael Hooper and David Pocock also proved a masterstroke by Coach Michael Cheika, who has confirmed the pair will retain their positions at 7 and 8 respectively for Saturday’s second Bledisloe test.
Australia will again be at near-full strength for Saturday’s fixture and offer exceptional value for money at current $4 odds in head-to-head betting markets.
New Zealand
Posting a comfortable 39-18 win over Argentina in their 2015 Rugby Championship opener, the All Blacks appeared to be on their way to another piece of silverware when muscling past South Africa 20-27 in Johannesburg in Week 2 of competition but received a huge wake-up call at the hands of the Wallabies last weekend.
New Zealand are known for blooding talent in tests leading up to a World Cup, as well as trialling combinations from their incredible wealth of talent and Coach Steve Hansen has certainly not bucked the trend this campaign; leaving several key starters out of clashes each week.
The normally patriotic New Zealand media absolutely tore apart the All Blacks following last weekend’s defeat, which will undoubtedly add extra spice to Saturday’s clash at Eden Park; a fortress in which they have not lost to the Wallabies since 1986.
The All Blacks were exposed everywhere from the front row to a quiet halves pairing and slow, one-dimensional back line last weekend and will without doubt return bigger and better in 2015 Bledisloe Cup game 2.
Bledisloe Cup Game 2 Betting
International rugby generally offers great value for money from a betting standpoint, and Saturday’s Bledisloe test in New Zealand is no exception.
Despite their loss in Australia last week, the All Blacks are widely expected to bounce back to winning form this weekend and remain clear $1.22 favourites to beat the Wallabies ($4) in head-to-head markets.
If the Wallabies are any chance of breaking both their Eden Park and Bledisloe Series hoodoo they will have to fly from the gates and build an early, defendable lead. Backing Australia to be leading at the break but ultimately lose the second Bledisloe test at a current quote of $5.50 may be worth consideration, while the same odds are also available for Australia to be leading at half time and go on to win.
Preview
Australia have been impressive in winning all three of their international tests this season; securing their first trophy since 2011’s tri-nations triumph.
New Zealand did enough to win against Samoa, Argentina and South Africa but were caught napping by the Wallabies last weekend and will probably take plenty of benefit from their defeat.
Australia faces a monumental task in adding the Bledisloe Cup to the trophy cabinet with a win at Eden Park but are undoubtedly offered their best chance of success since relinquishing the trophy in 2003.
Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup game 2 will also mark the final test matches of All Blacks legends Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Conrad Smith on home soil; three players that deserve to be sent off champions.
Australia are sure to come out firing on Saturday evening, but value undoubtedly lies in try scoring, handicap and line markets as the All Blacks will probably just do enough to win.