Lions vs New Zealand Predictions - All Blacks set for another big win on Greatest Rivalry Tour
The All Blacks face the Lions in their final provincial match before the last three Test games. Riding high from a recent triumph over the Springboks, New Zealand have dominated their tour, with big wins against the Bulls and Sharks. The Lions, still in preseason for the URC, are unlikely to keep pace, especially as motivation among their players may only carry them so far. With a much-changed New Zealand lineup still retaining international experience, expect them to win comfortably and cover the -36.5 handicap.
- 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.
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.
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
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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He has always had a great passion for sport and this led him into the world of sports journalism, while coaching on the side. Since 2012 Ralph has worked as a journalist and covered many topics from business to sport.
Over the last seven years he has interviewed numerous top rugby and cricket players and coaches in South Africa.
Ralph has been betting on sports for the last ten years. He’s knowledgeable on numerous topics including football, rugby, cricket, tennis and golf.
He supports Manchester United (football), Cheetahs (rugby), Knights (cricket) and has a newly found appreciation for Dominic Thiem on the tennis courts.
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