Australia v New Zealand: Rugby League World Cup semi-final predictions and tips

Free rugby league tips, best bets and analysis for Australia v New Zealand in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup semi-final.

Where to watch

BBC Two, 7.45pm Friday

Best bet

Australia to win by 11 to 20 points
1pt 2-1 bet365

Match preview

As expected, Antipodean rivals Australia and New Zealand will fight it out at Elland Road in the first Rugby League World Cup semi-final on Friday night.

Both sides sauntered through the group stage but their quarter-final performances were striking in their difference.

Australia were polished and clinical with ball in hand as they defied a 40-point handicap to see off Lebanon, whereas in Hull the Kiwis laboured past Fiji, a side the Kangaroos had swept aside in their World Cup opener despite it being their first international in almost three years.

These two sides have history. New Zealand memorably nilled the Aussies in the final of the Tri-Nations way back in 2005 and three years later they beat the Kangaroos in a World Cup final in the Aussies' own backyard. However, since that Suncorp Stadium turn-up it's 17 Australia wins out of 23 meetings with one draw.

Australia would have defied the 12-point handicap line set for Friday's first semi-final in five of the pair's last seven meetings and 12 of their 17 wins over New Zealand since the 2008 World Cup final, so taking the Kangaroos on the handicap is tempting.

But a third of their victories in that time came by between 11 and 20 points and even though they haven't clicked yet, New Zealand do have NRL quality throughout their side making that scenario an appealing 2-1 chance.

It should be a great contest but the skill and ruthlessness of the Kangaroos should see them book their ticket to Old Trafford next weekend.

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