After suffering a massive scare at the hands of the Japanese, New Zealand will be looking to put in a mammoth shift as they get their Autumn International tour of Europe underway against a tough Welsh side at the Principality Stadium this Saturday.
Wales 4/1 | Draw 28/1 | New Zealand 18/100
Handicap
Wales (+12.5) 9/10 | New Zealand (-12.5) 9/10
New Zealand’s sub-par year continued last week as an admittedly weakened Kiwi side huffed and puffed their way to a 38-31 victory over Japan in Tokyo.
It was yet another far from vintage performance from Ian Foster’s men, who were porous on defence and failed to take advantage of several try-scoring opportunities.
The biggest worry for Foster must have been the performance of Richie Mo’unga, with the Crusaders pivot looking like a deer trapped in headlights on a number of occasions during the opening quarter of the game.
While the flyhalf did come good in the second stanza, Foster may well look to bring Beauden Barrett straight back into the fold along with his brothers Scott and Jordie.
Scott will likely replace Brodie Retallick, who will cop a ban for a dangerous clearout, and Jordie will possibly be given a start in the centres.
Set piece magic 🪄#DaringPlay #tudorwatch #borntodare pic.twitter.com/URbtNOzyiQ
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 30, 2022
While New Zealand have had both the Rugby Championship and a fixture against Japan since the July internationals, Wales have had no game time with the Dragons’ last fixture being their 30-14 defeat to South Africa in the Republic.
Welsh mentor Wayne Pivac has been forced to bring in many second-stringers and fresh faces to his squad with Liam Williams, Dan Biggar and Alun Wyn Jones all sidelined. At the same time, George North, Louis-Rees Zammit, Gareth Anscombe, Josh Adam and Leigh Halfpenny are all serious doubts.
With the handicap as high as it is, I reckon the Wales plus is the way to go. New Zealand have shown major chinks in their armour this term, and the Welsh should be able to give them a real run for their money at a packed Principality Stadium.
