New Zealand v Australia: betting preview, free tips & where to watch
All Blacks ready to get back on track in Bledisloe Cup II
Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for New Zealand v Australia in Bledisloe Cup II.
Where to watch
Sky Sports Mix & Main Event, 3am Sunday
Best bet
New Zealand to win by 11-20 points
1pt 13-5 Betway
Match preview
Australia ended a run of 23 straight defeats on New Zealand soil with a 16-16 draw in Wellington last week but they face another big psychological hurdle in Sunday's second Bledisloe Cup showdown in Auckland.
The city's Eden Park stadium is seen as New Zealand rugby's spiritual home, scene of their World Cup victories in 1987 and 2011. Australia have lost on their last 19 meetings there, and the last six by more than 20 points.
After a few years of decline there were some good signs in Dave Rennie's first game as Wallabies coach as they pressed hard in defence to break up the All Blacks' attacking fluency and win crucial turnovers.
Rennie has also shown his determination to enforce the highest standards as flanker Pete Samu and hooker Folau Fainga’a have been dropped after some shortcomings at the breakdown and line-out.
But it is only to be expected that the All Blacks will be doubly focused this week after a sluggish performance at times in Bledisloe I.
Scrum-half Aaron Smith bemoaned his slow service which allowed the Wallaby defence to get up in the face of fly-half Richie Mo'unga so it seems certain the emphasis in training this week will have been on slicker execution and more fluid running moves.
Beauden Barrett is back in the line-up after pulling out on matchday eve last week and a stronger and chastised All Black side should pull clear this time.
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Published on 16 October 2020inRugby Union tips
Last updated 17:03, 16 October 2020
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