Can the Aussies win the 2015 Bledisloe Cup?

AFTER a dismal performance in the recent Ashes test, the Australians need something to cheer about, but can it come this Saturday when the Wallabies take on the All Blacks for the Bledisloe Cup?

History would tell us that Australia can’t beat New Zealand, but they both share the lead in the Rugby Championship after wins against Argentina and South Africa, so anything can happen.

The All Blacks travelled to South Africa and captain Richie McCaw scored them a late try, whereas Australia hosted to Proteas and completed an incredible last second comeback to snatch the victory – they then went on to defeat Argentina easily.

This test will be played at ANZ Stadium at 8:05pm this Saturday night and we’re expecting a massive crowd on hand to see how well Australia are travelling towards the upcoming World Cup.

Wallabies vs. All Blacks Game 1 betting markets

For Australia to win the Bledisloe Cup, the first must win this Saturday night and also again next week at the fortress that is Eden Park.

Being the challenger and trying to win the Bledisloe Cup seems an unlikely task for Australia, but first-things-first, they will try and win Game 1.

New Zealand are dominating favourites at $1.45 with Sportsbet.com.au, but the points start line sits at 5.5 and it’s anyone’s game.

Head-to-head market:

Australia – $2.80 at www.Sportsbet.com
New Zealand – $1.45

Money has come for the Wallabies at $2.80 as that price represents plenty of value with punters. The $1.45 for the All Blacks has been a more popular choice with multi-bet punters and many are trending towards the points start market instead.

Points start odds:

Australia +5.5 – $1.92
New Zealand -5.5 – $1.92

From the form we have seen so far this Rugby Championship, this game should be close and everyone would want to see the Bledisloe Cup go on the line next week at Eden Park in Auckland.

The rugby gods don’t always comply, however, and going forward you would expect New Zealand to enter the World Cup on an unbeaten run.

We don’t see much value in taking the AB’s -5.5 so we suggest taking the head-to-head option at $1.45 or completely jumping ship and taking the value at $2.80 with Australia.

Team lists and first try scorer odds

Australia:

Israel Folau – $13
Adam Ashley-Cooper – $14
Drew Mitchell – $14
Kurtley Beale – $15
Tevita Kuridrani – $19 at Sportsbet.com.au
Matt Toomua – $21
Matt Giteau – $21
Nic White – $23
Nick Phipps – $23
Ben McCalman – $23
Michael Hooper – $26
Bernard Foley – $26
David Pocock – $26
Stephen Moore – $34
Tatafu Polota-Nau – $36

Reserves – Dean Mumm, Scott Fardy, Will Skelton, James Horwill, Greg Holmes, Sekope Kepu, Scott Sio, James Slipper.

New Zealand:

Julian Savea – $8.50
Nehe Milner-Skudder – $10
Malakai Fekitoa – $12
Ben Smith – $13 at CrownBet.com.au
Aaron Smith – $15
Conrad Smith – $15
Sonny Bill Williams – $15
Kieran Reid – $17
TJ Perenara – $17
Beauden Barrett – $19
Sam Cane – $23
Richie McCaw – $23
Dan Carter – $23
Jerome Kaino – $23
Dane Coles – $26

Reserves – Codie Taylor, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Sam Whitelock, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Tony Woodcock, Nepo Laulala.

Latest Bledisloe Cup news

Nehe Milner-Skudder might have a cracking name, but the 24-year-old has high expectations for his Bledisloe Cup debut this Saturday against Australia.

The right winger will partner noted try-scorer Julian Savea on the wings and with a backline featuring the likes of Ben Smith and Sonny Bill Williams, the All Black attacking machine could be tough to stop.

All Black coach Steve Hansen said the team prepared well for the opening test.

“The Bledisloe Cup is an important trophy for New Zealand rugby and for this team, and Australia is one of our oldest opponents. We are well aware that they have made improvements and that their coach Cheika wants them to be more physical and more consistent,” Hansen said.

“Having said that, we are always looking to improve our game and understand that we will have to take a step up from our Ellis Park performance. This means we will need to bring physicality, intensity and accuracy to the occasion. I am picking this to be a brutal contest, and one we are looking forward to. It will be about us implementing our game plan and skill sets for 80-plus minutes.”

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has opted to start both Michael Hooper and David Pocock for their upcoming test against the All Blacks.

For the first time, both players will start a test and Cheika believes his side is just lucky to have two quality flankers.

“Australian Rugby is very fortunate to have some quality flankers competing for the number seven jumper,” Cheika said.

“Both players have been in outstanding form for club and country this season and have shown class in sharing the spot in the first two matches.

“They now have an opportunity to start a test together which they are very excited about.”

Pocock will start in the number eight jersey with Hooper in seven.