New Zealand vs. Ireland Rugby Betting (3rd Test): Will the All Blacks show their strength in Wellington decider?

New Zealand plays Ireland on Saturday in the latest fixture from the rugby union summer test match series, and the pre-game betting favourites New Zealand are being backed to score a resounding win over their opponents.

The All Blacks flattened the visitors in game one, but Ireland showed their bravery when battling back to level the series at 1-1 with an unexpected win last time.

New Zealand vs. Ireland Match Information & Betting Odds

Match Information

• New Zealand won the first test match of this series when easing their way to a stunning 42-19 victory on Saturday, 2ndJuly.
• Ireland looked dead and buried but was able to breathe life back into the series by winning the second test with a score of 23 points to 12.
• The winner of this third test match will progress to be crowned champion of the series, meaning there’s all to play for here.
• Venue & Location: Sky Stadium (Wellington, New Zealand)
• Kick-Off Time: 3:05 a.m. Eastern Time (7:05 p.m. local time)
• TV Broadcast/Streaming Info (United States & Canada): Flo Rugby (subscription)

New Zealand vs. Ireland Odds

Odds are courtesy of BetOnline.

Moneyline (3-Way)

• New Zealand to win -270
• Draw +2000
• Ireland to win +240

Spread

• New Zealand -8.5 (-104)
• Ireland +8.5 (-118)

Series to be decided in Wellington

With the series locked at one win each following two test matches, this is the decider, and New Zealand enjoys the home advantage in Wellington, where the players will be cheered on by a sizeable crowd inside the Sky Stadium.

The All Blacks are also the match betting favourites, with traders at every established online sportsbook backing a win for the home team.

That stance by the traders will come as no surprise to anyone that watched the first test when New Zealand exploded out of the blocks to win the match, almost before it had begun.

New Zealand claimed a 42-19 win in the first match, and it was nothing less than they deserved on a day when every player seemed to be at their best.

There were tries for Barrett, Reece, Tupaea, Sowakula and a double for Savea, while Barrett was assured with the boot, scoring each of the six conversions available to him. The latter will be asked to play a similar role in this third test match as the team sorely missed his kicking in the second test.

New Zealand’s last five results

• Lost 23-12 to Ireland
• Won 42-19 vs. Ireland
• Lost 40-25 to France
• Lost 29-20 to Ireland
• Won 47-9 vs. Italy

A poor run of form for New Zealand

As you can see, New Zealand’s recent form falls far below the team’s lofty expectations.

The All Blacks remain a force to be reckoned with, but the players will be eager to get the win over Ireland and get their journey back on track.

That’s easier said than done with Ireland winning two of their last three games against New Zealand, but the All Blacks hold all the aces for this return.

They benefit from the home advantage and have lost to Ireland in New Zealand just once. The bookies appear to have called this right and are keeping the home win close, which means we are forced into the specials for value.

Underdogs have nothing to lose

Ireland head into this third and final test match knowing they have already surpassed all expectations and have nothing to lose in Wellington on Saturday. But that doesn’t mean they won’t come to win.

Ireland stands on the edge of greatness, as they have the chance to win a series over the All Blacks in New Zealand for the first time.

It’s nothing short of what they deserve as Ireland showed great character to bounce back and win the second test. They levelled the series at one win each thanks to a jaw-dropping win last Saturday in Dunedin, hitting the front early and stepping on the gas in the second half.

Porter scored both tries for Ireland, and they had Jonny Sexton’s ever-reliable boot provided the remaining points. Sexton was two for two on conversions and kicked three penalties, proving him to be the difference between the teams.

As stunning of a win as it was for Ireland, New Zealand played much of that fixture with 14 players on the field.

The game changed in 31 minutes when Angus Ta’avao received a red card for a reckless challenge, allowing Ireland to dominate possession.

When the red occurred, Ireland already had a 10-0 lead, so they might have been able to pull off the win even against a full-strength side.

That said, if New Zealand keep 15 on the field for the full 80 minutes, they should be able to control the game and resist Ireland’s best efforts. A confident Ireland likely won’t get blown away as was the case in the first test, but the All Blacks have the formidable record and reputation that they do for a reason and will provide a reminder in Wellington on Saturday.

New Zealand vs. Ireland Betting Tip: New Zealand -8.5 (-104 at BetOnline)