Wales vs New Zealand Prediction: Love can punish the Dragons

Wales continue their Autumn Nations Series campaign on Saturday (15:10 KO) with a daunting clash against New Zealand at the Principality Stadium.

Read on for my Wales vs New Zealand predictions, complete with the latest Betfred odds and team news.

Steve Tandy’s men edged past Japan 24-23 last weekend thanks to Jarrod Evans’ last-gasp penalty, but they now face an All Blacks side bidding to bounce back from their 33-19 loss to England at Twickenham.

It will take a superhuman effort from Wales - who halted a record run of 10 home defeats last Saturday - if they are to upset the odds and write their names into the history books.

They have not beaten New Zealand since 1953, losing 33 consecutive Tests against the three-time world champions.

Wales vs New Zealand Odds

New Zealand are priced at 1/150 to win in Cardiff, while Wales are 16/1 outsiders to end their 72-year drought and the draw is available at 28/1.

The All Blacks are 11/10 to win by more than 30 points with Wales 8/11 to avoid defeat by that margin.

Team News

Tandy makes five changes to the Wales XV that scraped past Japan. Tom Rogers replaces the suspended Josh Adams on the wing, while Harri Deaves earns his first cap at flanker. Dewi Lake captains from hooker, with Aaron Wainwright anchoring the back row.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson rests a couple of his star men, with experienced duo Beauden Barrett and Ardie Savea given the afternoon off. Damian McKenzie starts at fly-half, with Caleb Clarke and the prolific Will Jordan on the wings.

Scott Barrett captains from lock, while Samisoni Taukei’aho anchors the front ro

New Zealand to win by 26-30 @ 6/1

The All Blacks rarely lose twice on a tour of the northern hemisphere, and their record when facing Wales is emphatic. They have won 33 straight Tests against the Dragons, with the last 12 victories coming by an average margin of 24 points.

They have scored more than 50 points in each of their last two wins in Cardiff and arguably face a Wales team at its lowest ebb.

Wales showed resilience to beat Japan by a point and halt their home hoodoo, but New Zealand are a class apart.

The All Blacks thrashed Japan 64-19 when they last met a year ago while Wales recently lost 52-28 to an Argentina side that split the honours over two close Rugby Championship clashes with the Kiwis this year.

Expect Robertson’s men to reassert themselves with a controlled, clinical performance and finish four or five tries clear of their hosts.

Ruben Love anytime tryscorer @ 11/10

Love has emerged as one of New Zealand’s most exciting backline talents, combining pace, agility and vision from fullback. His ability to join the line at speed makes him a constant threat, particularly against a Welsh defence that can be stretched out wide.

Wales’ physical back row may slow the ball at the breakdown, but their defensive shape often narrows under pressure. That leaves space for Love to exploit, especially with McKenzie’s tactical kicking and Ioane’s ability to fix defenders in midfield.

The 24-year-old will be desperate to capitalise on his first chance to impress on this tour and already boasts a decent strike rate of two tries from 116 minutes of international rugby so far.

Love is well priced to cross the whitewash in Cardiff.

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