Lions vs New Zealand Betting Tips - New Zealand to make light work of Lions in midweek clash
The All Blacks are set to play their last provincial fixture against the Lions before a series of crucial Test matches. After a decisive win over the Springboks and an unbeaten streak in recent games, New Zealand enters the contest with high confidence. The Lions, still in preseason, face a tough challenge but will be highly motivated. Despite multiple lineup changes, the All Blacks are expected to win easily and cover the -36.5 point handicap at Ellis Park.
- All Blacks play last provincial match before Test series.
- New Zealand unbeaten in 7 recent games and in top form.
- All Blacks strongly favored to cover the -36.5 handicap vs Lions.
This is the final provincial fixture for the All Blacks ahead of the final three Test matches. They currently lead the series 1-0 after an impressive victory at Ellis Park against the Springboks on Saturday.
- Key Stats - New Zealand high on Confidence
- Lions Hoping for a Miracle
- New Zealand in Top Form after first Test
- Lions vs All Blacks Starting Lineups
While this is a much-changed lineup, it remains a full international side from the visitors. I expect them to win comfortably, covering the -36.5 handicap.
Key Stats - New Zealand high on Confidence
- Lions are in preseason ahead of the URC
- New Zealand have won their last 7 matches (4 Tests, 3 Provincial)
- New Zealand put 50+ points past the Bulls and Sharks.
Lions Hoping for a Miracle
Like all the South African franchises, the Lions are in the midst of their preseason ahead of the United Rugby Championship. They are unlikely to be at 100%, so expect them to fade as the game goes deeper.
That said, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many players to feature against the All Blacks, so I do expect a motivated outfit who could take advantage of an All Blacks side that have not played together much as combinations.
New Zealand in Top Form after first Test
The All Blacks have eased to victory in their three provincial games thus far. In their opener, the Stormers gave them a good match for 60 odd minutes, but that was expected as the first game on tour.
The Sharks fell away completely in the second half while the Bulls challenged New Zealand, but didn't have an answer to their fast play.
While it is different players, the All Blacks will be on a high after a stunning first test win over the Springboks. This is the last opportunity for these players to force their way into the Test squad.
Lions vs All Blacks Starting Lineups
Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Erich Cronje, 10 Chris Smit, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Batho Hlekani, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Sebastian Lombard, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze
Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Boan Venter, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 JC Pretorius, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Boeta Chamberlain
New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Fehi Fineanganofo, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 11 Emoni Narawa, 10 Richi Mo’unga, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Semisi Ta’eiloa, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 6 Wallace Sititi, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu (captain), 4 Sam Darry, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Siale Lauaki
Replacements: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Saula Ma’u, 19 Jamie Hannah, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown.
Verdict
New Zealand are backed to cover the -36.5 handicap at Ellis Park.
New Zealand -36.5
Handicap
@10/11 - 4 Units
100% up to £/€50 bonus
Get up to £/€50 on your first deposit
New players. Choose bonus at signup. Wager bonus 10x. Deposit used 1st. Any withdrawals void bonus. Valid 30 days. Odds, bet & payment limits. T&Cs apply. 18+.
He has always had a great passion for sport and this led him into the world of sports journalism, while coaching on the side. Since 2012 Ralph has worked as a journalist and covered many topics from business to sport.
Over the last seven years he has interviewed numerous top rugby and cricket players and coaches in South Africa.
Ralph has been betting on sports for the last ten years. He’s knowledgeable on numerous topics including football, rugby, cricket, tennis and golf.
He supports Manchester United (football), Cheetahs (rugby), Knights (cricket) and has a newly found appreciation for Dominic Thiem on the tennis courts.
Read More
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
08 May 2026
- WNBA 2026 -
- Basketball
15 July 2026
16 July 2026
- VCT 2026 Pacific Stage 2 -
- Esports
Load More
Sports Tips Starts in
Today's Acca Tips
-
Soccer tips
-
Tennis tips
