Friday's Rugby League World Cup predictions: Kiwis could crush Ireland

Free rugby league tips, best bets and analysis for Friday's Rugby League World Cup game between New Zealand and Ireland.

Where to watch

BBC Three & iPlayer, 7.30pm Friday

Best bets

New Zealand -42
10-11 Coral, Ladbrokes & Hills

Match preview

With an impressive 102 points scored in Group C, only tournament favourites Australia have racked up more points than New Zealand in their first two games of the Rugby League World Cup.

An opening 34-12 victory over Lebanon was followed by a 68-6 demolition of Jamaica on Saturday at the MKM Stadium in Hull, and the 2008 world champions travel to Headingley on Friday seeking to complete a clean sweep of group wins against Ireland.

It will be a first ever meeting between the nations and the Irish are up against it, especially after last weekend's defeat to Lebanon effectively ended their tournament, unless they can pull off one of the greatest upsets in international rugby league history against the Kiwis.

Expect New Zealand to come out of the blocks quickly, just as they did against Jamaica when they were out of sight at 34-0 up at the break.

Ireland conceded five tries against Lebanon and it’s hard to see the Wolfhounds sorting out their defensive problems in time for Friday night’s showdown in Leeds.

New Zealand are asked to give up a handicap start in the low 40s but they certainly have the quality and strength in depth to make light of that, even if head coach Michael Maguire does ring the changes.

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