All Blacks tipped to clear huge handicap against Tonga

The visitors are likely in for another defeat this Saturday as they are fielding a vastly experienced side against a grizzled All Blacks outfit.

New Zealand v Tonga
Saturday 3 July
Mt Smart Stadium
09:05

To Win (80 Mins)

New Zealand N/A
Draw 50/1
Tonga 20/1

Handicap

New Zealand (-76.5)
Tonga (+76.5)

It may be a new international season but a three-year-old question still lingers in New Zealand: the great Mo’unga v Barrett debate. It’s been in all of the Kiwi papers this week. Former players have weighed as well as your average rugby fans. Those expecting it to be settled by the end of this fixture are in for a rude awakening as the selectors will not decide on which man gets the incumbent ten role based on a fixture against minnows, Tonga.

While this story has been making the headlines, some of the sub-plots have take a back seat such as the mammoth battle for the fullback jersey between Will Jordan, Damien McKenzie and Jordie Barrett. The former struggled during Super Rugby Aotearoa and Super Rugby Trans-Tasman while the latter two were in sensational touch carrying the Chiefs and Hurricanes at times.

As it stands, Damian McKenzie will wear the 15 jumper with Will Jordan out on the right wing. Mo’unga will pull the strings from pivot. 

Despite the fact that nobody in the All Blacks’ backline have more than 33 caps, Tonga is in for a long old night. While they do have some players with a bit of experience in their squad – Zane Kapali Leon Fukofuka and Nasi Manu have all played Super Rugby – they will also be fielding nine debutants including the likes of Harrison Mataele who is a physio out in New Zealand and has been playing for Auckland club side Grammar Tech.

Verdict: New Zealand (-75.5) 9/10

It may be their first international in a long old while I cannot see this Kiwi side having any troubles hammering a Tonga outfit that is packed with semi-professionals. I expect New Zealand to clear this line with a lot of room to spare.