| Tweet |
|
|
New Zealand v Australia Prediction
Sunday, 16 October 2011
Rugby world Cup 2011
Australia v New Zealand, SF, 09:00
Author: Thomas Rooney 13/10/2011
Two great Rugby rivals, New Zealand and Australia, go head to head this weekend in the Rugby World Cup semi-final. It doesn’t get much bigger than this and rugby fans across the world are ready for an epic battle in Auckland.
Wales v France is of course likely to be a highly charged, entertaining and intense semi-final, but there is something extra special about watching the hosts and favourites to win the tournament go up against the old enemy for a place in the World Cup final.
There will have to be a change in the norm if the All Blacks are to progress though. On the two previous occasions these teams have met at a World Cup, the Aussies have come out on top. First, a 16-6 victory in 1991 and secondly 22-10 win in 2003.
Whether this has any influence on the class of 2011 remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – the pressure on the hosts is extremely significant. They have always been labeled as the best team in World rugby on their day, but haven’t won the World Cup since 1987 and this needs to change.
As for Australia, not many backed them to defeat South Africa in the quarter-finals, so they will be more than happy with the underdog tag. They will play their natural game and hope the intensity of the situation gets the better of the All Blacks.
It is fair to say that they have the edge on New Zealand at the moment too and are aware that they can get the better of them. The All Blacks may have won 11 of the last 13 matches against Australia, but both of the Wallabies’ victories have come in the last twelve months.
One thing both of these teams have in common ahead of this semi-final is injuries to key players. Australia trio Kurtley Beale, Pat McCabe and Sekope Kepu are all doubtful for this weekend, while New Zealand will be without Jarryd Hayne, Kurt Gidley, Glenn Stewart and of course Dan Carter.
The All Blacks have received a boost though, with the news that Richie McCaw is set to be fit to take part after injuring his foot. The New Zealand public have been holding their breath on the availability of the flanker, but assistant coach Steve Hansen has said he will be ‘fine’.
This will of course lift New Zealand, but in truth they shouldn’t need reason to lift themselves for this one. A place in the Rugby World Cup final against Wales or France awaits with a dangerous Australia side standing in their way.
New Zealand v Australia Prediction: Hcap with Tie + 7 Australia at 1/1 with bet365
Bet365 World Cup Rugby Odds