Lions vs New Zealand Predictions - All Blacks set for another big win on Greatest Rivalry Tour

Ralph Staniforth

Editor

Last updated: 25 Aug 2026

Ralph Staniforth 25 Aug 2026

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All Blacks expected to cover -36.5 handicap vs Lions.
New Zealand unbeaten in last 7 (4 Tests, 3 provincial).
Lions are in preseason; All Blacks field a strong lineup.

Expired

New Zealand too good for Lions (Getty Images)

Lions vs New Zealand Predictions

This is the final provincial fixture for the All Blacks ahead of the final three Test matches. They currently lead the series 1-0 after an impressive victory at Ellis Park against the Springboks on Saturday.

Lions vs New Zealand Predictions
Head to Head
Lions Form
New Zealand Form
Starting Lineups

While this is a much-changed lineup, it remains a full international side from the visitors. I expect them to win comfortably, covering the -36.5 handicap.

Lions are in preseason ahead of the URC
New Zealand have won their last 7 matches (4 Tests, 3 Provincial)
New Zealand put 50+ points past the Bulls and Sharks.

Head to Head

There is no head to head for this fixture.

Lions Form

Like all the South African franchises, the Lions are in the midst of their preseason ahead of the United Rugby Championship. They are unlikely to be at 100%, so expect them to fade as the game goes deeper.

That said, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many players to feature against the All Blacks, so I do expect a motivated outfit who could take advantage of an All Blacks side that have not played together much as combinations.

New Zealand Form

The All Blacks have eased to victory in their three provincial games thus far. In their opener, the Stormers gave them a good match for 60 odd minutes, but that was expected as the first game on tour.

The Sharks fell away completely in the second half while the Bulls challenged New Zealand, but didn't have an answer to their fast play.

While it is different players, the All Blacks will be on a high after a stunning first test win over the Springboks. This is the last opportunity for these players to force their way into the Test squad.

Starting Lineups

Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Erich Cronje, 10 Chris Smit, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Batho Hlekani, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Sebastian Lombard, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze

Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Boan Venter, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 JC Pretorius, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Boeta Chamberlain

New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Fehi Fineanganofo, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 11 Emoni Narawa, 10 Richi Mo’unga, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Semisi Ta’eiloa, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 6 Wallace Sititi, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu (captain), 4 Sam Darry, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Siale Lauaki

Replacements: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Saula Ma’u, 19 Jamie Hannah, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Kyle Preston, 22  Josh Jacomb, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown.

Verdict

Lions v New Zealand

New Zealand are backed to cover the -36.5 handicap at Ellis Park.

New Zealand -36.5

Handicap

@1,91 - 4 Units

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Ralph Staniforth is a South African sports journalist, editor and betting writer who has worked in sports media since 2012.

With a background in Sports Science, he has covered a wide range of sports and interviewed leading players and coaches across South African rugby, cricket and football.

His sports betting work covers both South African and international markets, combining his knowledge of sport with extensive experience analysing fixtures, teams, form and betting markets.

Ralph specialises in football and rugby, while also covering cricket, tennis and golf. His work includes match previews, betting tips, betting guides and broader analysis of the sports betting industry.

You can find more from Ralph at Muckrack and LinkedIn.