The group stages reach the final week and despite some one-sided matches and blowout score lines, it is hard not to enjoy seeing the international game taking centre stage. The results this weekend appear set to continue the trend of dominant displays, with just one match (Samoa vs France) offering head-to-head odds. Nevertheless, there is an opportunity for punters to produce a profit and we hope to deliver with our previews. Coupled with a big weekend in all sports, it will pay to stay tuned to Before You Bet all weekend long.
Rugby League World Cup Round 3 Preview & Betting Tips
New Zealand vs Ireland
Emerald Headingley Stadium, Saturday 29th October, 5:30am (AEDT)
The Kiwi’s rarely looked troubled against Jamacia last week, producing a 68-6 victory after leading 34-nil at HT. In an expected result, New Zealand scored some pleasing tries. The performance allowed their combinations to grow in confidence; this will serve them well moving forward and should make them just as dangerous in this match (and beyond). Ireland had their Quarter Finals hopes dashed with a 32-14 loss to Lebanon. Expected to perform well in a tight match, Ireland lost momentum in the first half and trailed 20-4 at the break. Scoring first in the second half narrowed the margin to 10-points but their opponents showed poise to power home. They will have a tough task of performing well here if their match last week is anything to go by; Lebanon suffered a 32-14 loss to the Kiwis in a performance where the victorious team appeared never to get out of 2nd gear. The 42.5 line will not be enough. As mentioned earlier, this team is growing in confidence and will receive a boost with JWH returning.
New Zealand -42.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Fiji vs Scotland
Kingston Park, Sunday 30th October, 3am (AEDT)
This is an important game for Fiji to make it through to the Quarter Finals. After a Round 1 defeat by Australia, they showed their potential with a powerful 60-4 victory over Italy. Alarm bells would be ringing in the Scottish camp, as this was the same Italian team which defeated Scotland in Round 1 28-4. The impressive display from Fiji was pleasing and dynamic in equal measure; most importantly, they gave minimal opportunities to their opponents. Scotland were given a lesson in rugby league by the Aussies last week, defeated 84-nil. If they do not improve their defence here, they will have minimal attacking opportunities to rectify that result. Once again, Fiji will want to build as much momentum as possible heading into next week. The only thing which will hold them back from covering the line (38.5) will be a rotation of players but even then, incoming squad members will have a point to prove.
Fiji -38.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Australia vs Italy
Totally Wicked Stadium, Sunday 30th October, 5:30am (AEDT)
Coach Meniga took the opportunity to give some rookies their Australian debuts last week against Scotland and it was some display; they powered to an 84-nil victory with the new players pressuring the coaching staff for a regular spot in the team. Italy were comprehensively defeated 60-4 by Fiji and will face similar issues to Scotland. They are lacking the same quality players compared to previous tournaments and the Aussies will look to again make a statement. The line is set at 72.5 points and while confident their defence will concede no more than 10 points, the precision goal kicking in this side ensures that the margin increases almost every time by 6-points. This game should be no different and with Italy already proving incapable of matching it with Fiji, this could be another game where many Australian players get amongst the try scorers.
Australia -75.5
$2.18 (2 Units)
Samoa vs France
Halliwell Jones Stadium, Monday 31st October, 4am (AEDST)
This is undoubtedly the game of the round, with the winner rewarded with a spot in the Quarter Finals, albeit against New Zealand. Nevertheless, they will want to win here. Samoa bounced back from a deflating loss in Round 1 to defeat Greece 72-4. Rarely troubled by their opponents, Samoa lead 42-nil at HT and confidence was beginning to show in their combinations with one another. France were defeated 42-18 by England, after a tight first half saw them trailing 18-12 at the break. While not being able to match it with their opponents for 80 minutes, they proved capable for some parts of the match and turned in a far more respectable performance compared to Samoa a week earlier. Their defence is underrated, and it will cause Samoa a few issues early. They still have the quality to overcome it, but the French will want to take full advantage of the situation which is presented to them. Confidence in this result is low and there are better matches this weekend to invest on. If you must, take the French team with the line and have hope that their defence holds strong.
France +29.5
$1.90 (0.5 Units)
