Just 4 teams remain in the tournament and with a spot in the Final on the line, tensions are sure to be high. It is no surprise about the teams which remain, with most knowing from the beginning of the tournament who would feature. The quality of execution will lift again, and fans should benefit from some exciting international rugby league. This promises to be a great weekend of action. After a great result last weekend, this RLWC Betting Preview will hope to keep your account rising.
As always, stay tuned to Before You Bet all weekend for a host of previews from a variety of sports which will aim to increase your enjoyment of viewing a sport by finding a winner or two.
Rugby League World Cup Semi-Finals Preview & Betting Tips
Australia vs New Zealand
Elland Road, Saturday 12th November, 6:45am (AEST)
Always expected to meet at this stage of the tournament, each country has had their share of mixed performances throughout the tournament. The Kangaroos were good last week disposing of Lebanon 48-4. The result was set up by a strong first half display, which saw the Aussies score 6 tries and lead 30-nil at HT. They did what was needed in the second half but will want to have a better level of execution in this game; they completed at just 67% and made 14 errors. A team like New Zealand can punish opponents for their mistakes (although they will want to improve their own with the highest average of the remaining teams – 13 per game). They were far from convincing in their 24-18 victory over Fiji, trailing 12-6 at HT and 18-6 5 minutes into the second half. The Kiwis score 3 second half tries to close out the victory, with a late (79th minute) try extending the game to 6 points after a 71st minute penalty goal. The Kiwis were made to work hard for the victory, and they too have areas they need to improve upon; they completed at 79%, had 13 errors and missed 32 tackles.
Australia are strong favourites to win ($1.20 vs $4.50) and it is no surprise with the form lines of both sides going through their most recent opponents. Australia have appeared to be a better team throughout the tournament, with the attacking ability on the edges to power over opponents. The New Zealand forward pack is well fancied; they big, strong, and powerful. Their downfall is their speed. As good as those qualities are, the Aussies can match it with them in those areas and execute with speed on the edges. You can never count the Kiwis out though, especially against Australia. This should ensure the game is close for majority of the contest but ultimately, the Aussies should win comfortably.
Prop Bet: Mitchell & Grant to score @ $7 – 0.5 units
Australia 13+
$1.90 (2 Units)
England vs Samoa
Emirates Stadium, Sunday 13th November, 1:30am (AEST)
These two sides face off after playing one another in the opening fixture of the World Cup. Ahead of that game, the hype around Samoa was huge. They entered that game as favourites, but markets couldn’t have been further from the truth. England went on to dominate 60-6 in a fine attacking and defensive effort. England have improved with each performance since that fixture and defeated PNG 46-6 in the Quarter Final to progress to this match. They were dominant in the first half, leading 38-nil at the break. They minimised their errors (7) and forced their opponents to miss 42 tackles. Samoa faced off against rivals Tonga in the best match of the weekend. After an upset loss to begin the tournament, this side has slowly found form and it showed in their poise last week, prevailing 20-12. Their result was built on tough defence with 28 tackles missed compared to their opponents 48. This is also a sign of how powerful their attack was in that match. The key for them winning this game is completing their sets and building pressure; 5 errors last week is a great example of a game plan to follow.
England are strong favourites ($1.32 vs $3.40) and rightly so given their form. While they have experienced strong wins against inferior opponents, their execution has been one of the best in the tournament. They have the best error rate of any team remaining (7.8 per game) and have also the highest try assists (10.3 per game). Samoa will be vastly improved from their opening match and will keep this game competitive; expect them to push England but with a tough game last week, fatigue may just get the better of them. Their opening 20 minutes in their first meeting is an indication of what to expect. It was tight and injuries contributed to the one-sided result. The same cannot be expected here but they host country should cover the line as they progress towards the Final.
England -8.5
$1.95 (2 Units)
