7th Nov 2012 | Rugby
Scotland v New Zealand Tips
Beat Australia this summer, proving how they can frustrate better opposition.
Scotland must be one of the most frustrating rugby nations to support. At their best they can match any team in the world but at their worst, they can be abject. They finished bottom of the last Six Nations, without a win to their name - then in June, they went and beat Australia in their own back yard.
On paper they have no chance of beating world champions New Zealand (28/1 Sportingbet), but when it comes to Scottish rugby, anything can happen. Their recent home record against the Tri-Nations is actually quite impressive:
2010 Scotland 3 New Zealand 49
2010 Scotland 21 South Africa 17
2009 Scotland 9 Australia 8
2008 Scotland 6 New Zealand 32
2008 Scotland 10 South Africa 14
Tempting though it is, I cannot see how Scotland can beat the All Blacks; however I think they are excellent value at 10/11 (Bet365) to win with a 26.5 point handicap.
Only once in their last five matches have they lost by more than 26 points. Their defence is usually excellent and I expect them to frustrate New Zealand on Sunday.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 16:51 7th Nov, 2012 but subject to change
