New Zealand VS England Location: Forsyth Barr Stadium
New Zealand VS England Date: Saturday, July 6
BetXchange New Zealand vs England Odds:
History
If New Zealand vs. England isn’t the sexiest matchup in international rugby union, it is certainly in the conversation. The rivalry between the two nations will be renewed this weekend, with England traveling to New Zealand to face the All Blacks on the first of two July Tests between the two nations. Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin will be the venue, with England looking to shock a team shorn of a number of its stars.
New Zealand has dominated England over the years, winning 33 of the 43 matches played between the two nations. Given the turmoil in New Zealand rugby, England will think this is a series they can win.
New Zealand
This will be the All Blacks’ first game since devastatingly losing the World Cup final in France last October to South Africa. The number of stars missing from that squad is one example, with locks Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retalick and scrum-half Aaron Smith among those no longer available for selection.
The biggest miss is fly-half Richie Mo’unga. He is one of several All Blacks on sabbatical from the national team while playing for clubs in the Japanese league. While this extends their careers, and players like Mo’unga will be back for the next World Cup cycle, it hurts New Zealand in the short term. You only have to look at the struggles of the Crusaders this season in rugby to see just how influential Mo’unga is to every team he is a part of.
They will have leaders like Ardie Savea and Beauden Barrett back, though how match-fit they will be after missing the Super Rugby season is a real question.
England
England looks like a new team after Steve Borthwick released the shackles on the side at the end of the Six Nations. They were expected to dominate against Japan, winning with a style and verve that would have been seen as unimaginable after a World Cup campaign that was successful without being easy on the eye.
The two changes to the starting lineup that beat Japan come in the front row, with Joe Marler and Will Stewart coming in as props. The uncapped Ollie Sleightholme will be an interesting option off the bench, while Marcus Smith retains the No. 10 shirt and will look to attack the New Zealand defense with his usual flair, skill, and speed.
Best Bets
I love England with the handicap they have been given here. 11.5 points feel huge, given they have been in camp for four weeks, while New Zealand has only 10 days to prepare. I would take England as low as +7, as it feels like they can stay within a converted try of the All Blacks.
