New Zealand v England
Saturday November 8 (6.30am), Dunedin, NZ
Match outcome
As with any team sport, this is not going to be the most lucrative market. Indeed, the Kiwis are odds-on favourites with most major UK bookmakers and offer very little value as a result. 888Sport currently offer the market’s best price (7/15) but it requires a large stake to generate any decent profit, so probably best to steer clear.
England, on the other hand, are more generously priced and you can get 15/8 with Bet365, which offers a reward of close to £20 for a stake of just £10. However, the reward doesn’t justify the risk for me.
Handicap bets
If you feel strongly that New Zealand will inflict England’s second consecutive defeat on Saturday, then this is the market for you.
The majority of bookmakers are offering a six point handicap in favour of the home side, which shortens England’s odds but improves the Kiwi price significantly.
With the six-point handicap, New Zealand’s odds drift to 10/11 (various), which offers a much more satisfying return.
If you still want more, though, and are convinced of a New Zealand thrashing, you can get odds of 19/10 for the Kiwis to win with a 13-point handicap.
Half-time
In both the Samoa match and against Australia, England started brightly before slowing down somewhat in the second half.
Steve McNamara’s men were in front at half-time on both occasions.
New Zealand, on the other hand, are yet to hold a half-time advantage in this competition, losing 6-8 against Samoa and drawing 12-12 with Australia.
Despite that, the Kiwis are 8/13 (BetFred) favourites to lead at the interval while England are 13/8 (PaddyPower).
If you believe England will again start strongly, this could be a smart bet.
ALL ODDS WERE CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PUBLISHING BUT ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
