Ireland vs New Zealand Rugby World Cup picks and betting odds

Ireland vs New Zealand top picks – Rugby World Cup 2023

Ireland vs New Zealand match preview – 2023 Rugby World Cup

The Rugby World Cup quarter-final clash between Ireland and New Zealand promises to be a thrilling encounter between two rugby powerhouses. Ireland, the world’s number one team, aims to break their quarter-final curse, while New Zealand, a three-time world champion, seeks to continue their dominance. Here’s a breakdown of the two teams and three betting tips for this highly anticipated match.

Ireland enters this quarter-final match as the top-ranked team globally, riding a wave of momentum with a formidable track record in recent matches. Their captain, Johnny Sexton, is leading from the front, orchestrating impressive moves and demonstrating his enduring class.

The center, Bundee Aki, has been a standout performer, consistently breaking through the opposition’s defenses. Ireland’s strengths lie in their defensive prowess, forcing opponents into mistakes and utilizing willing runners to overpower their foes. However, they must overcome their history of quarter-final disappointments, a challenge that they are keenly aware of.

New Zealand started the World Cup with a hiccup, losing to France in their opening match. However, they have bounced back emphatically, showcasing their attacking prowess in convincing wins against Namibia, Italy, and Uruguay.

The All Blacks boast an experienced squad with seasoned winners across all positions, which makes them a formidable force in knockout rugby. Their set-piece dominance, particularly in the lineout, is noteworthy, and their ability to maintain high ruck speeds keeps their opponents on the back foot. Despite their recent setback, they are poised to challenge Ireland aggressively.

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Ireland vs New Zealand betting predictions

With Irelands current form and an edge in recent head-to-head matches, Ireland seems poised to clinch victory in this high-stakes quarter-final. Bet on Ireland to win by 1.5 points -125 with Bovada.

While knockout matches typically favor strong defenses, both teams have shown attacking prowess. Expect a high-scoring game, making the over 43.5 total points a viable bet at -109.89 with the top online Sportsbooks.

Bundee Aki has been a standout performer for Ireland and is backed to score a try. Consider placing a bet on Aki as an anytime try scorer at odds of +275.

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