Pacific Cup: Kiwis and Kangaroos set for Christchurch clash

Having beaten Tonga 18-0 in their opening game of the 2024 Pacific Cup, Australia make the trip across the Tasman on Sunday to renew hostilities with old rivals New Zealand.

The Kangaroos made a somewhat stuttering start to the tournament against the Tongans in Brisbane, only leading 6-0 at the break, before going on to score two tries in the second-half to claim the win at Suncorp Stadium.

Australia’s defence will have pleased head coach Mal Meninga and he will know his team’s work off the ball will be even more important when they face the Kiwis in their own backyard this weekend.

. What: New Zealand v Australia
. Where: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
. When: 15:05 (AEST) Sunday 27th October, 2024
. How to watch: Channel 9, Foxtel, Kayo
. Odds: New Zealand 3.75, Australia 1.28

Aussies must go through the gears

It wasn’t the free-scoring start to the Pacific Cup Australia were hoping for in Brisbane and Meninga will know his side can do better when they travel to Christchurch this weekend.

The Kangaroos boss has gone with the same 17-man squad that faced the Tongans, giving them the opportunity to put things right against New Zealand on Sunday.

Halves Mitch Moses and Tom Dearden looked a little rusty together in the first match as a partnership but those minutes playing in Brisbane should stand them in good stead for a big game at Apollo Projects Stadium.

This will be the first time Australia have played New Zealand in Christchurch since 1989 and the Kangaroos are 1.28 favourites to head back across the Tasman with the victory.

Johnson returns for special game

Coming out of retirement to answer coach Stacey Jones’ call, this game has been given extra spice with the return of halfback Shaun Johnson.

Injury to Jahrome Hughes is a blow for the hosts but Johnson is one of New Zealand’s greatest playmakers and would love nothing more than to get one over the Aussies for potentially one last time.

Johnson’s experience will be key, especially since New Zealand are set to field five Test debutants in fullback Keano Kini, winger Will Warbrick, hooker Phoenix Crossland and bench players Naufahu Whyte and Jordan Riki.

James Fisher-Harris will skipper the Kiwis, who are 3.75 to make a winning start to the Pacific Cup, before facing Tonga next weekend in Auckland.

Newcastle Knights prop Leo Thompson is serving a one-match ban for a high shot in week one of the NRL finals but will be available again for the showdown against Tonga at Go Media Stadium.

The Kiwis have won their past three Tests against the Kangaroos on New Zealand soil, including a 30-0 win the 2023 Pacific Cup final in Hamilton.

With that in mind, New Zealand are also available at 1.91 with a +11.5 handicap on Sunday.