Australia vs. New Zealand Rugby Betting: Trust the All Blacks in mammoth match

All followers of The Rugby Championship have been waiting for this week as Australia faces New Zealand in an all-or-nothing battle.

The Aussies haven’t been near their best in recent times, but the players won’t need any extra motivation to get up for this match, with the All Blacks intent on a big win.

The bulk of the crowd in attendance in Melbourne will be there to cheer on the Aussies, and the betting suggests they will need all the support they can get with bookies writing them off.

The pre-match betting odds offered by top online sports betting sites are all in favour of an All Blacks win, and that’s hardly surprising given their recent form of both sides.

What is the best way to play this? Do we look for a smart way to back the favourite, or does Australia have a chance of pulling off a famous upset? Read on for our preview and predictions.

Australia vs. New Zealand Matchup Information & Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Australia suffered a heavy defeat in their most recent outing, going down to South Africa by a score of 24 points to 8.
• New Zealand made mincemeat of opponents Argentina in their last outing, beating the Pumas 53-3 in a confidence booster.
• The All Blacks are the pre-game favourites, with all leading bookmakers with the odds suggesting this is a foregone conclusion.
• Venue & Location: Marvel Stadium (Melbourne, Australia)
• Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022
• Kick-Off Time: 5:45 a.m. Eastern Time

Australia vs. New Zealand Betting Odds

Odds are from BetOnline.

Moneyline

• Australia to win +360
• Draw +2300
• New Zealand to win -420

Spread

• Australia +10.5 (-108)
• New Zealand -10.5 (-112)

Recent results put Australia under real pressure

It’s not too often you will find a follower of the Australian rugby union feeling let down by their team. Rugby union is a sport most Australians love to follow, and with the team enjoying so much success over the years, who could blame them?

The Australian national team has a rich history of success, with their honours putting most in world rugby to shame.

The Wallabies haven’t enjoyed too much success against the All Blacks, however, and the head-to-head scores in test match rugby make for sad reading if you’re an Australian fan.

In the 173 previous meetings with New Zealand, we have seen Australia win just 45 games and lose 120 with eight draws.

That leaves a measly 26% win average, and the points tally doesn’t do much to cheer us up either, with 2485 total points scored against New Zealand but 3788 conceded.

Last five results for Australia

• Lost 24-8
• Won 25-17
• Lost 48-17
• Won 41-26
• Lost 21-17

Oz lack consistency

As you can tell from the last five results mentioned above, Australia is seriously lacking in consistency, with three defeats in their last five outings since July.

That isn’t the kind of stats you would normally associate with the Wallabies, but they have been blowing hot and cold of late. They have been destroying teams that were expected to give them a tough time and then losing to sides they were betting favourites to beat.

We last saw them in action a week ago when suffering one of their worst results in living memory when the Aussies were put to the sword by a visiting South African side who were organised in defence and ruthless in attack.

The match's final score read 24-8 in favour of the Springboks, and it’s fair to say the margin could have been even bigger.

Australia wasn’t at the races that day, and their below-par performance has angered the support, ex-players and coaches.

The Wallabies certainly owe their doubters a convincing win against a high-ranking opponent to get everyone back pulling in the same direction. But that’s easier said than done at this stage, especially against the All Blacks.

All Blacks devoid of sympathy

New Zealand head into this match knowing their opponents are down on their luck, out of form and beginning to feel the pressure from the stands and media.

These teams have served up some memorable, exciting and high-scoring matches over the years, so there is plenty of respect there, which will be obvious from the start.

The All Blacks have their problems to sort out, though, and won’t get hung up on feeling sorry for their opponents when they know a win would put the buzz back into the sport in New Zealand.

That impressive head-to-head lead over Australia provides another source of encouragement for the visiting fans, who will want to see their side stick the boot into sorry Australia.

The away dressing room already knows it can’t afford to let its guard down and think the Wallabies are weak but know their best efforts will be enough to land them a crucial win.

Last five results for New Zealand

• Won 53-3
• Lost 25-18
• Won 35-23
• Lost 26-10
• Lost 32-22

A big performance is needed by both teams

New Zealand’s recent form isn’t any better than their hosts, and they have been worse occasionally. But that seems to have fallen on deaf ears with the bookies.

Yes, Australia is capable of better, but they hold the home advantage, and the All Blacks are toiling somewhat, scoring plenty of points but also leaking their fair share.

The pre-match betting suggests NZ only need to turn up and they will defeat Australia, but we know that isn’t the case.

While New Zealand should win, any team can beat any other on their day. With that in mind, we feel Australia will make a game of it and wouldn’t put it past the Wallabies to dig themselves out of a hole with a timely win over a great rival.

Australia vs. New Zealand Prediction: New Zealand to win

Australia vs. New Zealand Betting Tip: Australia +10.5 @ -108 (BetOnline)