New Zealand vs Samoa NRL Pacific Championship preview & tips

New Zealand vs Samoa Best Bets

New Zealand vs Samoa NRL Preview

Week two of the Pacific Championships kicks off on Saturday afternoon as the New Zealand Kiwis take on Samoa at Eden Park.

Led by new captain James Fisher-Harris, the New Zealand side is stacked full of NRL talent across the field.

A powerful forward pack including Fisher-Harris, Moses Liota and Joseph Tapine leads the way, whilst experienced pairing Jahrome Hughes and Dylan Brown have been named in the halves.

After a stellar year for the New Zealand Warriors, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has been named at fullback, with Joseph Manu partnering youngster Matthew Timoko in the centres.

Try scoring machines Ronaldo Mulitalo and Jamayne Isaako are named on the wings whilst Kieran Foran and Nelson Asofa-Solomona have been named on the bench.

After the disappointing 38-12 loss to Australia last weekend, Samoa will be looking to put together a much-improved performance this weekend.

They’ve made just one change to the side, with centre Young Tonumaipea being replaced in the side by Melbourne Storm teammate Marion Seve.

New Zealand vs Samoa NRL Betting Tips

These two sides last met in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, where New Zealand won 38-8 at Mt Smart Stadium. However, with the recent increase of players nominating to play for Samoa, they have a much stronger side this time around. Also, despite the matchup being held in New Zealand, it is expected that Samoa will have the majority of the home support.

With the head-to-head odds offering limited value for the Kiwis at -714.29, look for them to cover the line of -14.5 as they prove too strong at -111.11 with Neds.

After conceding 38 points against Australia last week, expect the Samoa defence to struggle once again this week against the explosive New Zealand attack. As such, we are expecting this match to go over the total points line of 44.5 at -111.11 with top bookmakers.

For the Kiwis, expect plenty of chances to come throughout the backline, as such, look for the likes of Matthew Timoko +130 and Joseph Manu -105.26 as anytime try scorers. For Samoa, fullback Sualauvi Faalogo was very impressive last week against the Kangaroos and presents as a good value option at +240 to score a try.
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