New Zealand head into the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup with hopes of a record 5th win and will be looking to regain the trophy from England. A tough start against Wales will be no walkover for the Black Ferns, whilst the Welsh team will be hoping to make up for their disappointment last time out after finishing in the fourth spot after a promising early tournament that tailed off.
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9th August – 13:45 pm – Billings Park UCD, Dublin
Ahead of our New Zealand v Wales betting tips, there are always nerves for all teams heading into the tournament that everyone wants to win. The Black Ferns disappointed in the 2014 tournament, having won the four previous tournaments and will be looking to start the 2017 edition with a win over a Wales side that will be tough to beat and will go into the tournament with the tag of dark horses and could be looking to spring a surprise in the opening match.
Before we look at the World Cup, Women’s Odds we will take a look at the players that could make a difference and for New Zealand, they will be looking towards the experience of Kendra Cocksedge as they go in search of a fifth title. Now a veteran of the side, having first turned out for the Black Ferns in 2007, her experience will be a key component in the tournament. Wales will want to cause an opening game Women’s World Cup shock and will be relying on captain Carys Phillips to provide the leadership that could see them ruffle some feathers in the tournament.
New Zealand have been quietly preparing themselves to win back their crown and will hope to peak at the right time. Wins over Canada and old rivals Australia have left the Black Ferns with the best possible preparation for the World Cup. Wales have had a tough few months and lost their last four internationals, with their last win coming against Italy back in February.
In the 2014 tournament. New Zealand dominated the Welsh side 63-7 in the 7th place play-off with Shakira Baker scoring four tries for the Black Ferns, whilst Wales solitary try came through Sioned Harries. Their most recent Test series saw New Zealand wrap up a comfortable 3-0 win that will give them confidence going into the match.
Coming into the World Cup, New Zealand will start the tournament as favourites and our match prediction is for the Black Ferns to be too strong for a Wales side still mentally drained from a Six Nations campaign that saw tragedy strike. Form suggests an easy win for New Zealand but Wales will want to make it as difficult as possible.
For our World Cup, Women betting tips, the form suggests that New Zealand will be too strong for Wales who are recovering from a tough last six months and Betway are offering excellent value on the match handicap betting. Their value in a win for the Black Ferns is not great value but does offer the near guarantee that New Zealand will come out on top.