The Kangaroos were clunky in their opening Pacific Championships match against Tonga but will be better for the run and they have revenge on the brain after last year’s humiliation at the hands of the Kiwis.
Best Bet
Mal Meninga’s plan to usher in a new generation of Kangaroos with an eye to the 2026 World Cup did not get off to the smoothest of starts against Tonga but Australia did get a comfortable 18-0 win and there was a lot of pride in their defence.
Tom Dearden and Mitch Moses, the new-look halves pairing, were very clunky but will be better for the run while it is highly unlikely Australia will be so error-riddled. There is progression to be made, especially with Mal resisting the temptation to bring in some new faces and rolling out the same 17 again.
Stacey Jones begins his career in charge of the Kiwis and has named a strong team. All eyes will be on Shaun Johnson and his unlikely farewell series but the strength of this Kiwis team lays in its pack. New Zealand need to win the middle to be any hope in this one.
There is upside in the backline but also plenty of errors and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad playing out of position is a worry as it limits the kicking options for the Kiwis.
The bench is a huge mismatch.
The Kangaroos will have plenty to prove after their 30-0 loss last year in the final of this tournament. It was a major embarrassment and one this team will have to atone for.
Australia have won eight of the last 10 with five of those wins coming by 18 or more points.
This Aussie team will be ready on Sunday. Bet the minus.
Same Game Multi
Tom Trbojevic has 57 tries in 56 games at NRL level the last four seasons and has four tries in five Tests for Australia. He was outstanding in his Test return last week.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is a beast of a tryscorer. He has 30 tries in 36 games for the Dolphins while he has three tries in four Tests for Australia. He was Australia’s best last week.
Value Bet
Cameron Murray has been a tryscoring machine at Test level, scoring seven Tries in nine Tests. Two of those have come against New Zealand. He runs a great line on an edge and with the halves better for the run last week,
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