Pacific Cup Final: Australia v New Zealand betting tips & odds

Australia v New Zealand rugby league tips

Pacific Cup Final 2023 match preview

Rugby league’s Pacific Championships continue on Saturday afternoon with the Pacific Cup final between Australia and New Zealand in Hamilton. A rematch of last weekend’s clash, the Kiwis will be looking for a lot of improvement after being comprehensively beaten 36-18 in Melbourne.

After their excellent performance in the win last weekend, the Kangaroos have made just two changes to the side. Star forwards Payne Haas and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui return after being rested, with Jake Trbojevic and Thomas Flegler making way. Liam Martin, the 18th man last week, also returns to the starting line-up, pushing Reuben Cotter to the bench and utility Nicho Hynes to 18th man.

New Zealand have not changed their line-up throughout the Pacific Championships, and that remains the case this weekend. With home-field advantage and experience against the Aussies, the Kiwis will need to put together a much-improved effort.

Kangaroos v Kiwis betting predictions

Although the Aussies won by 18 points last weekend, they scored two tries in the last three minutes to blow out the margin. This should give New Zealand hope that they can keep up with the Kangaroos.

However, Australia have had the advantage over NZ in recent times, winning seven of their past eight meetings, and come in as comfortable favourites once again. Back the Kangaroos to win the Pacific Cup at -384.62 with Bovada.

For the Aussies, Valentine Holmes is the obvious pick as an anytime tryscorer, as he has 20 tries in his 20 Test appearances – including the opener last week. Playing on the wing, he should have plenty of opportunities to bag a try at -117.65.

For a bit more value in the tryscorer markets, have a look at second-rower Cameron Murray. The South Sydney Rabbitohs skipper has scored six tries in his first six matches for Australia, so the +300 for Murray to cross at any time is appealing.

For New Zealand, NRL point-scoring machines Ronaldo Mulitalo and Jamayne Isaako are the obvious options in the anytime tryscorer stakes, each paying +160 with top rugby league betting sites. Second-rower Briton Nikora (+325) looks the most likely forward to cross the line.

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