New Zealand and Wales will square off in the third versus fourth World Cup play-off on Friday the 1st of November.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sport – Hollywoodbets
New Zealand and Wales will go head-to-head in the game no one wanted to play at the start of the Rugby World Cup. The All Blacks come into this one off the back of an extremely disappointing 19-7 defeat to the English and will be keen to bounce back and restore some pride.
New Zealand v Wales
Friday 2 November
Yokohama International Stadium
11:00
To Win (80 Mins)
New Zealand 1/8
Draw 30/1
Wales 5/1
Handicap
New Zealand (-17.5) 9/10
Wales (+17.5) 9/10
New Zealand
The Kiwis will be looking to end long-term coach, Steve Hansen’s, reign on a high note when they take on Warren Gatland’s Wales.
The All Blacks suffered a major shock to the system last weekend as they were outclassed by a clinical England outfit, who rattled their opponents even before a ball was kicked in anger.
New Zealand were guilty of biting into the English’s wind up and played an atrocious brand of rugby. They threw passes that they needn’t have thrown and failed to take control of the game.
Last week’s defeat will be a big motivating factor for them. A lot of layers will be taking to the field for the last time in an All Blacks jersey and we’re likely to see some big shifts from veterans Kieran Read and Ben Smith.
Wales
It was a case of so close but yet so far for the Welsh who went down by just three-points against a physical Springbok outfit.
Gatland’s men put in a wholehearted display last weekend and were unlucky to come up as losers with a late Handre Pollard penalty sealing their fate.
Friday’s fixture is likely to be far more lose than either of last weekend’s semi-finals which is likely to suit New Zealand more than Wales. The Dragons will need to try and play this one as though they were playing Saturday’s final if they are to get the win.
Verdict: New Zealand (-17.5) 9/10
The All Blacks will be pumped up for this one and I can see them getting a big win over what is a beleaguered Welsh outfit.
