Rugby League / Editor / 10 September 2007 / Leave a comment

Great Britain take on New Zealand in the first of three Tests on October 27 looking to build on their success last time out against France.

The Lions landed the odds to beat the French 42-14 at Headingley in what was Tony Smith's first match in charge of the side, and a bet on a similar result will be popular.

But the odds of a GB win will not be as short for those who have a bet, as they face a much sterner test against the New Zealanders, who beat GB in their previous two encounters in 2006.

But punters who like betting on home success should note that the GB side have won six and lost four against the Kiwis since the turn of the century.

The match comes at the end of the current Super League season and so betting could reflect the fact Smith will hope to have his best players available without too many injuries.

Customers who enjoy betting on international rugby league should note that a bet on Great Britain to beat the Kiwis at home has reaped rewards in recent times as their previous two victories both came on English soil at Kwowsley Road and the Galpharm Stadium.

But New Zealand have landed the odds on these shores for punters who enjoy betting on an away victory at longer odds, with a 42-26 in 2005 and a 30-16 victory in 2002.

They also defied the betting to claim the Tri-Nations trophy in 2005, beating the much-fancied Australians 24-0 in the final at Headingley at long odds, before losing to the same opponents a year later in Sydney.

Supporters who bet on club rugby, should see Leeds Rhinos players Brent Webb and Ali Lauitiiti get the chance to pit their wits against the former coach at club level, and shouldn't bet against them scoring against their former mentor.