New Zealand vs Australia Predictions - Big win tipped for New Zealand

Ralph Staniforth

Editor

Last updated: 26 Sep 2024

Ralph Staniforth 26 Sep 2024

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New Zealand expected to cover -19 handicap against Australia.
All Blacks aim to end Rugby Championship strong despite recent issues.
Australia showed promise in the last match but must improve consistency.

Expired

New Zealand and Wallabies looking to finish on a high (Getty Images)

New Zealand vs Australia Preview

Australia came within three points of an upset win at home last weekend against the All Blacks. However, I don't see that happening in New Zealand. I expect the All Blacks to cover the -19 handicap.

New Zealand vs Australia Preview
Head to Head
New Zealand Form
New Zealand Injuries & Team News
Australia Form
Australia Injuries & Team News

New Zealand have won their last 8 matches against Australia.
New Zealand have won their last 28 home matches against Australia.
Australia have lost 4 of their last 5 matches.

Head to Head

The last eight games between these sides have seen New Zealand win each one.

New Zealand Form

New Zealand have been very disappointing in the Rugby Championship to date, and it is certainly their worst campaign in the last decade. With just two victories from five matches, the All Blacks will want to end on a high this weekend.

Thus far in the tournament, New Zealand lost one at home against Argentina before beating Los Pumas the following week. They then lost twice against South Africa away by narrow margins. Both fixtures could have easily gone the Kiwis way but their lack of game management in the final quarter cost them on both occasions.

In the first Bledisloe Cup test last weekend, New Zealand started brilliantly, racing into a 21-7 lead against Australia. But, once again, they faded in the second half as the Aussies came roaring back to within three points.

It is a trend that will be concerning for Scott Robertson. In fact, New Zealand have not scored points in the final quarter of any of their Rugby Championship matches.

New Zealand Injuries & Team News

Scott Robertson will name his team later this week, but it is already confirmed that Jordie Barrett will miss the game through injury. I suspect there may well be a few more changes.

Australia Form

Australia have only won once in their five Rugby Championship matches in 2024. They suffered heavy home defeats to South Africa in the opening two weeks.

A tour to Argentina followed where they snuck a 20-19 victory in the first match. Unfortunately, the following week they were hammered 67-27 by the same opposition.

The Wallabies will be buoyed by their fightback against the All Blacks last weekend. They came within a whisker of winning the game, but that game must be taken into context.

While the Aussies were superb after a horror start, New Zealand did have three disallowed tries in the game. This week, in the land of the long white cloud, the Wallabies will have to back up that second half performance to really show that they are improving.

Australia Injuries & Team News

Australia were good last weekend after a shocking start to the game. Joe Schmidt is likely to field a similar side, but there should still be a few changes.

Verdict

New Zealand v Australia

I am backing New Zealand to cover the -19 handicap on Saturday against Australia.

New Zealand -19

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