Join Archie Wilson as he breaks down the All Blacks test against Ireland.
Two unbeaten sides in the Nations Championship clash this weekend in one of the most feared fortresses in all of sport. Come primetime on Saturday night, both the new-look All Blacks and their new rival, Ireland, will be greeted by 50,000 fans who haven’t seen the All Blacks lose in front of them in 52 games, dating back to 1994.
It is a hallowed park that is etched into the history of not only New Zealand rugby, but the international stage as well. No matter the kind of opponent that enters, the All Blacks, even through all of their ups and downs, have been able to handle business.
However, if there was ever a time for someone to break that streak, it would be this Andy Farrell-led Irish side. They have become one of the toughest teams to beat in the world and offer a style that only they can really pull off with the efficiency a team would desire.
They are also facing an All Blacks side three games into a new tenure, one that is trying to rapidly forge a new identity after the last regime had to expose some players in key positions to international rugby on the fly.
Throw in the pressure of having to live up to that incredible record, and I feel there is a recipe for Ireland to push the All Blacks all the way to the 80-minute mark and make the whole nation sweat it out until the final whistle.
Now, with all that context discussed, it feels like a fitting time to get into this week’s tips…
Off the top with the best bet, I did mention how Ireland are going to be a very tough challenge for the All Blacks as they look to defend the fortress. I am still of the thinking that, with the side put out being one to nullify Ireland’s strengths, there will be enough motivation and quality in the black jersey to pull off a win, but with the caveat of it being a close one on the scoreboard.
Looking at try-scorers, the obvious one is Will Jordan, as he is the new All Blacks all-time leading try-scorer in test matches. However, I am going to search for just a little bit more value. This has led me to the left wing, where Josh Moorby, who is in blistering form, will make his first start in the black jersey.
Moorby debuted last weekend and was sensational, racking up two assists and being dragged down five metres short of his maiden test try. This weekend, I think he has a great chance to get that first try in the national colours, as we know the All Blacks want to be optimistic with ball in hand and will provide opportunities for their wingers to find the white line.
The SGM is reasonably similar to those first two bets, with Moorby to score and Ireland to cover the spread. The third leg is over 49.5 total points, as it still feels like these sides are finding their feet defensively and aren’t afraid to push the pace when it comes to the attacking facet of the game.
Tips
Best Bet: New Zealand 1 – 12 @ $3.00
Best ATS: Ruben Love @ $2.20
Same Game Multi: Over 49.5 Total Points + Josh Moorby ATS + Ireland (10.5) @ $6.49
