The time has come, and the first of Razor’s squads for 2025 will run out this weekend in Dunedin against a rather disappointing French side.
At full strength, the French could just about be the best team in the world; however, with the finals footy happening in the Northern Hemisphere, they were never going to send over a proper side.
I actually prefer it this way, though. It will give Razor and his side some time to get into the groove and not be tested to their full capability early doors. I’m not counting the French out because the young guns will be hungry to prove a point, but I do think the boys in black should do this without breaking too much of a sweat.
Best Bets: Over 55.5 Total Points | $1.90
To get us started with our first bet of the International season, I’m expecting the total points to clear 55.5.
Down in Dunedin with the roof on, there should be no excuses about wet-weather rugby. I’d imagine there will be a slight bit of rust from players coming out of Super Rugby and into Razor’s scheme, but we should get a free-flowing, attacking game.
The French, even when weakened, have been piling points on up North, so they should be able to play their role in clearing this line.
Best Bets: First Scoring Play: New Zealand Try | $2.70
New Zealand will be looking to set the tone early, and if they get an early penalty they’ll be looking to the corner.
No point in taking threes here when it’s not expected to be a tight game. Forget the rain, it’ll be pouring tries and New Zealand should be the first over the line.
Value: Codie Taylor/Sevu Reece First Try Scorer | $5.20
This ties into the above bet. It’s the first game of the season and it’s only right we try and nail the first player to score.
Sevu Reece scored the first try of the season last year, and our starting hooker, Dane Coles had the same honour the year before.
Just like with the first scoring play, I think if we have a penalty, we’ll be kicking to the corner which leans heavily into Codie Taylor. But it also brings Reece into play. Constantly hovering around the breakdown I wouldn’t be surprised to see him take a stab at a pick & go to get over the line.
3 Leg Same Game Multi @ $2.47
- New Zealand 13+
- Over 55.5 Total Points
- Sevu Reece / Will Jordan to have 1+ Tries Combined
During the Super Rugby season, a $10 Multi on each round returned a total of $373.52 + $40 Bonus Cash. I’m starting again from zero for the international season.