Australia v New Zealand predictions and rugby union tips: All Blacks to dominate

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Australia v New Zealand in the Rugby Championship.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Arena, 10.45am Thursday

Best bet

New Zealand -10
3pts Evs bet365

Match preview

New Zealand have had a summer of highs and lows but they hit a peak with a 53-3 demolition of Argentina last week and should keep up those standards against a much-changed Australia team.

The All Blacks came under huge pressure after losing a home series to Ireland and then suffering a first home defeat to Argentina.

But if there's one fixture that is sure to attract the players' full focus it's a showdown with Australia, a rivalry they have long had the better of.

New Zealand have won 16 of the last 20 meetings with the Wallabies and 14 of those victories have been by 17 points or more. When they win, they usually win big and a ten-point handicap looks within their compass.

After so many setbacks in the summer the New Zealand players said they were happy to play "with the shackles off" against the Pumas last time out and the upshot was a 50-point winning margin and seven tries scored.

It's unlikely we'll see quite those fireworks, even if rain during the day clears up, but the mindset looks set to be the same from the All Blacks and that should trouble an Australia side struggling to find any rhythm and continuity.

There are eight changes to the team that lost to South Africa two weeks ago, including a first start since 2019 for Bernard Foley, who becomes the fourth starting fly-half in five matches for the Wallabies.

Captain Michael Hooper still misses out and the All Blacks look to have a clear physical edge as well as more pace and flair.

With Shannon Frizzell injured and Ardie Savea away for the birth of his child, there's a new-look New Zealand back row, which features Scott Barrett moving from lock and adding to the physical presence of the All Blacks pack.

Eight of the 14 tries New Zealand have scored in the Rugby Championship have come from forwards, so whether it's a close-quarters scrap in the wet or a more open contest, the All Blacks look to have all the weapons to win big again.

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