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Rugby Union betting tips for Ireland v New Zealand Maori
Hugh Cahill / 17 June 2010 Free Bet View Market
Ireland's summer tour has been punishing.
"They key in this game, I think, is trying to beat the spread. Looking around this week the general consensus is that the Maori’s minus 12.5 points are just under even money. I think that’s a decent bet."
Is it unpatriotic to wish Ireland comes back from their summer tour in two weeks time with three defeats after three games? Last Saturday's test match in New Plymouth highlighted a few home truths that the management, players and fans need to face up to about Irish rugby. Firstly, regardless of whether Jamie Heaslip had stayed on the pitch or not, Ireland was not going to win that game.
It was blatantly apparent after fifteen minutes that the All Blacks were a class above anything we could throw at them. An away victory was never on the cards. Secondly, our resources in terms of front row options that can compete at international level and cover in key positions (namely second row and centre) is paper thin. And lastly, Ronan O'Gara's defensive frailties are so obvious, that even the most tactically incompetent side will continue to target the number ten channel in attack with great success. This Friday against the New Zealand Maori's, a second string Ireland side face one of the most aggressive and talented teams in non-test opposition. They will be beaten, but I would argue that this is not necessarily a bad thing.
Declan Kidney's post match interview after the 66 point mauling by the All Blacks was as predictable as it was frustrating. The coach pointed to Ireland's second half fight back and the scoring of three tries when backs were against the wall as a real positive to take from the eighty minutes. Granted, Kidney was never going to savage his players (Heaslip included) despite the obvious deficiencies all over the field, but one hopes that the 'positives' in the second half will not mask where we need to improve ahead of the World cup next year. Mick O'Driscoll is clearly not up to the pace of the international game and it will be interesting to see how Ed O'Donoghue and Dan Tuohy perform on Friday. Both have talent; Tuohy in particular looked impressive when he came on last week and this is a real chance to put a hand up for consideration as a viable second row option next season. Leinster and Ireland Under 20 flanker Rhys Ruddock has been thrown straight in to the starting team against the Maori's and although the nineteen year old will benefit hugely from the experience, it's a huge ask to arrive to New Zealand from Argentina and be expected to deal with the ferocious Maori pack on his international debut.
Ireland are underdogs going into this one and I don't think they will win. The Maori's are 1 to 5 to come out on top and that's obviously not much value. They key in this game, I think, is trying to beat the spread. Looking around this week the general consensus is that the Maori's minus 12.5 points are just under even money. I think that's a decent bet. It's not that Ireland won't be up for the game, I just feel there are too many big players missing to trouble this Kiwi team. The front row will find the scrums very tough going and without Brian O'Driscoll, Paul O'Connell, Jamie Heaslip and Tommy Bowe scores could be hard to come by. These games are generally very high tempo affairs with plenty of quick ball and fast running rugby. The 'tries scored' market looks a good shout here with over 5.5 tries at 4/5 worth taking a punt on.
Declan Kidney took his strongest possible squad down under for this summer tour. After just one game, the prospect of getting any kind of result over the three tests seems very unlikely. The world cup is just over a year away and the hope is that these games will highlight just where Ireland needs to improve in order to be competitive and get out of our group in New Zealand. Sometimes in order to progress, you need to take a few steps back and learn from the mistakes. There will be plenty for Declan Kidney and the Ireland coaching team to consider over the next few months.
Recommended:
New Zealand Maori's minus 12.5 at 10/11
Over 5.5 tries at 4/5
Double.
