Australia v New Zealand betting tips | Rugby League 28/10

Australia v NZ best Bets

The third week of the Pacific Championships kicks off with a heavyweight clash between Australia and New Zealand at AAMI Park, Melbourne, on Saturday night.

The Roos have been installed a $1.36 favourite to win this clash, with the Kiwis outsiders at $3.15, despite both teams being unbeaten after first matches of the Pacific-based tournament.

Our Australia vs New Zealand tips and betting preview will run you through everything you need to know, ahead of their clash, kicking off at 8.10pm on Saturday.

Kangaroos team news

The Aussies were scheduled to have the week off last weekend after beating Samoa 38-12 the week before. The Kangaroos will now be looking to back up their great start. Confirmed to play in the final, Australia have elected to rest forwards Payne Haas, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Liam Martin for this testing clash against the Kiwis.

Veteran Jake Trbojevic and debutant Thomas Flegler will play in the front row, while Reuben Cotter is promoted from the bench to play in the second row. The suspended Valentine Holmes returns to the side on the wing in place of Selwyn Cobbo, as 2022 Dally M medal winner Nicho Hynes will make his Test debut off the bench.

New Zealand Team News

Following their 50-0 thrashing of Samoa last weekend, New Zealand are coming into this match with an unchanged side.

Looking to avenge their 16-14 defeat in the World Cup semi-finals last year, New Zealand should be full of confidence after last week’s performance.

Australia v New Zealand betting tips

Despite the Kangaroos resting some of their star forwards, they should have too much quality for this New Zealand side. With the two sides both confirmed to play the final next week, this match should give the viewers a preview of what to expect.

Arguably the two best international sides in rugby league, we are backing the Aussies to win a close one at $1.35 with Bet365.

Looking at Aussie try scorers it is hard to look past the returning Valentine Holmes to make an impact in this one. Scoring 19 tries in 19 games for Australia, Holmes is always a threat around the line. Back him as an anytime try scorer at $1.90 with Ladbrokes.

After splitting time between fullback and centre last weekend, Roosters star Joseph Manu presents as a dangerous offensive weapon for New Zealand. Despite not scoring last weekend, Manu was one of the more impactful players on the field with 200 run metres. He presents great value as an anytime try scorer at $3.70 with top rugby league bookmakers.

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