As known from:
sky sportscricketworldTorquay United

All Blacks vs Kangaroos: How to Shape a Cross-Code Rugby Betting Strategy

Publish Date: 09/07/2020
Fact checked by: Mike McKean

All Blacks versus Kangaroos? It's New Zealand versus Australia at rugby, but not in the usual way....

Betting.co.uk takes a look here at how you could shape a successful betting strategy if rugby union and rugby league's best teams go head-to-head later this year.

Rugby league and rugby union are two different sports.

It's important to get that out of the way first. Since the Northern Union split from the Rugby Football Union in 1895, and later became the Rugby Football League, the two codes of rugby have had a relationship marked by acrimony and often outright hostility.

Yet the appeal of seeing how the two codes' best teams would match up against each other never quite goes away. That appeal has surely contributed to the idea that the All Blacks and the Kangaroos would face off later this year. While some have poured cold water on the idea that it will take place, with both parties apparently annoyed that the idea was leaked to the press, there have also been reports that negotiations remain ongoing.

In the end, money talks, and this game, mooted for Dccember 5 this year, could have a turnover of as much a $15 million. With Covid-19 still wreaking havoc with sport's finances across the world, that kind of money would surely be a serious temptation for both sides of this cross-code equation.

Video: Every All Blacks try in 2019

Every All Blacks try in 2019

How to bet on rugby league versus rugby union

  • The important thing for betting punters would be the rules of the hybrid contest.
  • It has been mooted that there would be no line-outs or contested scrums – if that happened it would take away the key advantages that the All Blacks would have over their rugby league opponents.
  • That would surely make the Kangaroos favourites, even if only marginally.
  • If the match comes down to a contest of raw rugby skills and fitness, then it is hard not to back the Kangaroos.
  • NRL teams play at an intensity and speed rarely matched in rugby union, even at Test Match level.
  • The Kangaroos players have the ability to attack with a speed and precision that the All Blacks will rarely have faced.
  • But defence is what wins games of rugby, whether in the 15-man or 13-man code.
  • The number of rugby league coaches employed as defence coaches in rugby union is testament to how well league sides organise defensive lines.

Former Wigan and Great Britain star Shaun Edwards is currently employed by the French rugby union side, and his prowess at improving rugby union teams’ defensive capabilities is legendary. The Kangaroos would be able to defend with a ferocious intensity too – something which when combined with rugby league organisation would make them very hard to break down, even for the All Blacks.

The codes are also very different when it comes to what happens at the tackle. While rugby league has a 'play the ball' where the tackled player stands and rolls the ball back between his legs, rugby union has a contested breakdown. While the level of contest at rugby union rucks has decreased over the years, it is still a very different beast to its rugby league equivalent.

The other matter to consider after the tackle is the offside line. While rugby union's defensive lines can set themselves up level with the back foot of their own player in the ruck, rugby league defenders have to retreat 10 metres back, with the exception of two markers. That constant moving up and then retreating 10 metres for the next tackle is one of the main reasons rugby league is so challenging to play when it comes to fitness levels. It is unlikely that a 10 metre offside line would be set for a hybrid contest, but even a five metre rule would pose challenges for the All Blacks. Learning to retreat quickly enough to avoid penalties will still being fully switched on defensively is one area where rugby union converts to rugby league struggle.

The rules around the tackle and the offside line would therefore be key to shaping the ultimate outcome of the game. A five metre offside rule would surely weigh things in favour of the Kangaroos.

Another rule that has been suggested is that rugby union style mauls would be allowed. This would hand a real advantage to the All Blacks, giving them a weapon that could disupt the Kangaroos' defensive line, draw in defenders and create gaps.

Another major difference between league and union is that league has set of six tackles, where the attacking side has just six phases of play to use the ball before it is handed over to the opposition. As a result, league teams play highly structured and planned sets of six that usually culminate in a tactical kick on the last tackle. It has been mooted that the hybrid code game will feature sets of eight tackles. Such a situation would likely confuse both sets of players, but the Kangaroos would be more familiar with the concept of a limited time in possession.

No contested scrums would shape selection of the two sides too - would the All Blacks actually bother to select any front-five forwards at all? While there might be a place for big second row forwards like Sam Whitelock surely no props would be picked. Rugby league forwards, of course, can bash and smash but also handle the ball. Their greater range of skills would see league props and second rowers like David Klemmer and Tyson Frizzell have a full role to play.

A test of raw rugby skills

It is almost certain that no other international rugby union side could hope to compete with the Kangaroos in a contest of outright rugby skill. The All Blacks would certainly have a chance, but we would back the Kangaroos to win by two converted tries. Of course, we don’t yet have any idea how many points a converted try would be worth in a hybrid contest, so how many points that would actually work out at remains to be seen. That is just another of the many imponderables that surround this fixture.

But if it happens, what types of bet should rugby punters be looking at?

  • Handicaps are always a good bet for rugby, league or union, so we would recommend taking a look at those markets first.
  • If the bookies give the Kangaroos a handicap of around five to ten points, backing the All Blacks would be a great idea.
  • We would also recommend taking a look at what happened back in the mid-1990s when club sides Wigan and Bath clashed.

They played two matches - one under league rules and one under union rules - with Wigan dominating the league game and Bath winning the union match convincingly. The key difference between the teams back then, though, was Wigan's ability to create tries form out of nothing deep in their own half. Bath won the union contest by keeping it tight, and using their specialist union skills at set-pieces and in the maul. But Wigan scored two superb length of the field tries, highlighting the ability in attack that rugby league teams still possess.

Video: Bath v Wigan

Bath v Wigan "Clash of the Codes" - May 1996 (Rugby Union Match)

 

So what kind of bets should you be looking at if the Kangaroos and All Blacks go head to head? We'll try and answer that question for you next.

What bets to choose in rugby's 'clash of codes'

First and last team to score markets might also be interesting. One would expect the Kangaroos to be fitter than the All Blacks, simply due to the more testing demands of rugby league – that might see them scoring more points later on in the game.

Individual player markets shouldn’t be ruled out either. Look out for gun try scorers in both the Kangaroos and All Blacks sides. Backing wingers as anytime try scorers in a hybrid code game is a good idea, so watch out for the odds on players like Kyle Feldt, currently the NRL's leading try scorer. While Feldt is yet to play for the Kangaroos, he has played for the Australian Prime Minister's XIII, and a place in the full Australia side cannot be far away.

The All Blacks have plenty of talent in the wide areas too. Rieko Ioane has some real strike on the wing, while youngster Braydon Ennor would surely see a game like this as a chance to impress too. Ngani Laumape might be in contention too - and he would be very keen to impress given that he spent the first two years of his senior professional career playing rugby league in the NRL with the New Zealand Warriors.

Rugby league is known for the all-round high skill levels of its top players. Guys like James Tedesco, currently leading the NRL for tackle breaks, who can create tries from nothing and whose ability to beat their opposite number in a one-on-one situation is electric. Halfbacks like Daly Cherry-Evans or Luke Keary will also be key for the way that they can control an eight-tackle set, as well as break the line and score tries themselves.

Any fans of in-play betting should keep these players very much in their thoughts, especially when things get tight. A drop goal could prove crucial as well, so backing the likes of Luke Keary for the Kangaroos or Richie Mo'unga from the All Blacks to slot one during the game is a good idea.

Could Ponga be the key man?

One man who might well be in contention for a Kangaroos spot by the time this game rolls around is Kalyn Ponga. The Newcastle Knights utility back could have played for the All Blacks, of course, with there being plenty of speculation in recent times that he was going to jump back across to rugby union and play for the nation of his parents' birth.

His recent signing of a contract that lasts until 2024 with the Knights, though, makes it much more likely that he will be seen in a Kangroos Test jersey soon. A bet on him to score tries would be very tasty in any cross-code clash.

Video: Kalyn Ponga - ELECTRIC | Highlights 2020 ᴴᴰ

Kalyn Ponga - ELECTRIC | Highlights 2020 ᴴᴰ

But there are still so many imponderables about this possible game that make it hard for punters.

The actual personnel that both teams would select for what would be a decidedly one-off type of game would be interesting. Surely the New Zealanders would want the mercurial talents of Beauden Barrett on the pitch, not least for his ability to create chances against what is sure to be robust and aggressive Kangaroos defence?

The Kangaroos might want to select one or two players with rugby union experience, like Ponga for example, while rhe All Blacks would surely consider picking players who have previous league experience. That would put players like Laumape very much in the frame for a key role.

One thing is for sure. If it takes place there will be millions of people with much more than a passing interest in watching it, and plenty of betting interest too.

Watch Betting.co.uk closely for news on this fixture, and we’ll let you know where the best betting value can  be found when the best teams in rugby league and rugby union clash!

Read Also
One-on-one with Giancarlo Gallifuoco - National League to Kuala Lumpur
The beautiful game is the world's game. It would admittedly take a ...
In depth with Guiseley's Hamza Bencherif - Young cub to Lions skipper
He had a big-club introduction to English football, arriving at Nottingham Forest ...
Betfred Promo
Steve Mascord: 'Two Tribes' and Rugby League's Australian Civil War
Steve Mascord is one of rugby league’s top journalists. A maverick, a ...
Long-range love story – Pieces in place for new Sutton United stopper Dean Bouzanis
Sutton United announced the addition of Dean Bouzanis earlier this month, and ...
The Bosses’ Lounge (Vol. 17) – Phil Parkinson (Altrincham)
Altrincham’s 85-goal haul to finish top scorers in last season’s National League ...
Bookmaker of the Month
BetMGM UK - Get Your Bonus! Get Your Bonus!
Claim your £30 BetUK Bonus!
Betting Tips
12/02/2025 - 7:30 pm
Goodison Park
Tip:
Salah & Gakpo to score & BTTS No
15/1
Bet365
03/02/2025 - 8:00 pm
Stamford Bridge
Tip:
Chelsea to win, Palmer & Madueke both to score any time
11/2
BetMGM UK
02/02/2025 - 4:30 pm
Emirates Stadium
Tip:
First half: Under12.5 shots, under 6 corners
1.95
Bet365
Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
BetMGM UK
BetMGM UK
BetMGM UK Review
4.8/5
Bwin
4.6/5
Betano
4.5/5
kwiff
4.5/5
Betfred
4.5/5
BetMGM UK
BetMGM UK Bonus
Bet £10 Get £40
18+. T&Cs apply.
4.7/5
New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 football, 1 x £10 horse racing & 2 x £10 Bet Builders. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non-UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs Apply.
Bwin
Bwin Bonus
£20 Back-Up Bet as Free Bet
18+. T&Cs apply.
4.7/5
18+ | New UK players only | Min deposit req. £10 | Certain deposit methods excluded | Place 1 sport bet (3+ selections) | Excl Horse Racing | Min stake £10 | Max stake £20 | Min Odds 2/1 (3.0) | Max FreeBet £20 for football only | FreeBet valid for 7 days | FreeBet stake not returned | T&Cs apply.
Betano
Betano Bonus
Bet £10 Get £30
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
18+ Opt in, bet £10 on any football (odds 1/1+) within 3 days of sign up. Get 2x£10 and 1x£5 Free Bets for set football markets + £5 Slots Bonus on Big Bass Splash, 30x wagering, max redeem £125. Bonuses expire in 14 days. Click for T&Cs. GambleAware.org
kwiff
kwiff Bonus
Bet £10 Get £30 Surprise Bet
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
New customers & 18+ only. Min. deposit of £10. Qualifying real money bet of £10. Min odds greater than or equal to 1.5 required. E/W bets excluded. Offer awarded immediately but could be issued the next working day in exceptional circumstances such as technical fault. Additional T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
Betfred
Betfred Bonus
Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets
T&Cs apply, 18+
4.5/5
New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.
Who tops our list?
best online casinos
Our Team
James Leeland
James Leeland
Editor
Ginger Joe
Ginger Joe
Expert Punter
Amos Murphy
Amos Murphy
Sports Writer
Mike McKean
Mike McKean
Editor
Jordan Noble
Jordan Noble
Sports Writer
Dave Kuzio
Dave Kuzio
Content Manager
Matthew O'Regan
Matthew O'Regan
Non League Tipster
Alyx Tzamantanis
Alyx Tzamantanis
Editor
The Fund
The Fund
The Fund
Jamie Clark
Jamie Clark
Contributor
Geoff Banks
Geoff Banks
Columnist
Ben Smith
Ben Smith
Tipster
Nathan Joyes
Nathan Joyes
Tipster
Tom Winch
Tom Winch
Tipster
Zack Wilson
Zack Wilson
Contributor
Get the Best Deals via Mail
By providing my e-mail address, I declare that I agree that Betting.co.uk will regularly send me information by e-mail: I can revoke my consent at any time.

Users must be 18+. If you are having trouble with gambling then help and advice can be found at begambleaware.org. Please Play Responsibly.

Trading financial products carries a high risk to your capital, especially trading leverage products such as CFDs. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.
18+GambleAwareeCOGRAGamblers AnonymousGamCareGamStopGambling TherapyCloudflareSSLco² neutral
Close
Place Your Bets! Discover Premium Bonuses at Our Trusted Partners.
BetMGM UK
BetMGM UK Bonus
Bet £10 Get £40
18+. T&Cs apply.
New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 football, 1 x £10 horse racing & 2 x £10 Bet Builders. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non-UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs Apply.
Bonus Code:
Go to BetMGM UK
Get Bonus
Bwin
Bwin Bonus
£20 Back-Up Bet as Free Bet
18+. T&Cs apply.
18+ | New UK players only | Min deposit req. £10 | Certain deposit methods excluded | Place 1 sport bet (3+ selections) | Excl Horse Racing | Min stake £10 | Max stake £20 | Min Odds 2/1 (3.0) | Max FreeBet £20 for football only | FreeBet valid for 7 days | FreeBet stake not returned | T&Cs apply.
Bonus Code:
Go to Bwin
Get Bonus
Betano
Betano Bonus
Bet £10 Get £30
T&Cs apply, 21+
18+ Opt in, bet £10 on any football (odds 1/1+) within 3 days of sign up. Get 2x£10 and 1x£5 Free Bets for set football markets + £5 Slots Bonus on Big Bass Splash, 30x wagering, max redeem £125. Bonuses expire in 14 days. Click for T&Cs. GambleAware.org
Bonus Code:
Go to Betano
Get Bonus
×
Your Bonus Code:
The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link:
Visit Site