New Zealand vs Australia predictions & rugby betting tips: expect another fast start from All Blacks

Where to watch New Zealand vs Australia  

You can watch New Zealand vs Australia on Sky Sports + at 8.05am on Saturday

Match prediction & best bet

Caleb Clarke first tryscorer
1pt 10-1 BoyleSports

New Zealand vs Australia predictions

It was a game of two halves in Sydney last week as New Zealand raced into a 21-0 lead inside 15 minutes of this Bledisloe Cup opener but were hanging on at the end as Australia outscored them 14 points to three after the break, going down 31-28.

The handicap is set in the high teens for Saturday's rematch in Wellington but there's no great desire to back a big home win given that the Rugby Championship title is out of reach.

Damian McKenzie, who has started every match at fly-half for New Zealand, is replaced by Beauden Barrett while Australia have also rung the changes as powerhouse winger Marika Koroibete misses out while Jake Gordon comes in for Nic White at scrum-half.

The Wallabies' performances have been up and down in this competition but they have shipped the first try in four of their five matches and conceded a total of 23.

One thing that has stood out for the All Blacks has been their lightning-quick starts – their 18-12 defeat in South Africa was the only time they haven't scored the first try inside 15 minutes and they look set to follow that pattern.

Winger Caleb Clarke has four tries in his last three starts for New Zealand and is the pick to get the ball rolling.

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