The second week of international rugby league is here with two intriguing contests. It was great to have exciting action back on our screens and this week should be no different. The passion which each team plays with is evident and it sets the stage for exciting fixtures. BeforeYouBet is here to look at the action ahead and hopefully add to your enjoyment by finding you a winner or two.
2023 Pacific Championships Betting Tips
New Zealand vs Samoa
Eden Park, Saturday 21st October, 4pm (AEDT)
The Kiwis play their first game of the tournament against Samoa and will want to make a statement after the island nation progress further than them in last years RLWC. Hosting the game at Eden Park is sure to give them a boost, with both teams naming strong packs of forwards who will want to assert their dominance in the opening stages of this match. New Zealand will be fresh for this game, while Samoa are coming off a 26-point loss to the Kangaroos last week. Trying hard, they were never able to get into the game and, despite passages of individual brilliance, struggled to pressure their opponents for 80 minutes. A 28-6 HT score highlighted the dominance of their opponents. They will need a strong start if
The Kiwis are overwhelming favourites ($1.15 vs $5.50) and much of this has to do with Samoa not being at full-strength. If they were, this would have a different market altogether. The rejuvenation of the Kiwi team has been interesting to watch, and they have named a very strong pack of forwards to establish a strong platform in this contest. They will likely need this match too to prepare for their match against the Kangaroos. That isn’t to suggest Samoa are without a chance; they proved last week that they have several attacking options and will only benefit from that outing. Improvement is needed in their defence though and like their attacking combinations, they should be stronger here. The Kiwis have a balance in their spine with will offer flair and poise in equal measure. Hughes’ inclusion at halfback will also provide a strong kicking option that will increase the pressure on the Samoan back three. Eventually, the power of the home side should be too much for the visitors to hold out and they should account for the line (16.5).
New Zealand -16.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Prop Bets
Same Game Multi = Mulitalo, Isaako & Hughes to Score – $6 at Ladbrokes (0.5 Units)
Mulitalo and Isaako were the leading try scorers for their clubs this season, with the latter leading the competition. Hughes takes the ball to the line well and is always an attacking threat, while also possessing a great support game which makes him a threat across multiple areas.
Fiji vs Cook Islands
Santos National Football Stadium, Sunday 22nd October, 4pm (AEDT)
Fiji plays their first match of the tournament and are overwhelming favourites to start on a positive note ($1.06 vs $9). The Cook Islands faced PNG last week and were outplayed 46-10; slow to start, they were down 30-nil at HT and that quickly became 42-nil 5 minutes into the second half. Fiji possesses the same strength as PNG (which should make for a great game next week) and will easily account for their opponents, once they gather momentum and execute accordingly. They are a strong, exciting team and should easily cover the line.
Fiji -23.5
$1.85 (2 Units)
Prop Bets
Same Game Multi = Bula, Sivo and Ravalawa to Score – $3.10 at Neds (0.5 Units)
Dangerous anywhere on the field, the back 3 for Fiji should relish the extra room available to them in this contest. Don’t be surprised if each player crosses the line more than once.
