Tuesday, 5 May 2009: Betfair punters have launched an early betting assault on Australia for Friday night's trans-Tasman test against New Zealand, installing the Kangaroos as commanding $1.22 favourites to avenge last year's World Cup final defeat at Suncorp Stadium.

Despite selecting an in-form side packed with size speed, Betfair punters rate the Kiwis almost no chance of replicating their historic win against Australia, and have them $4.00 outsiders for Friday night's showdown.

Nearly 80% of the early money traded on the Betfair exchange has been on the Aussies, who will field a remarkably similar side to the one that succumb 34-20 to New Zealand in last year's decider at the same venue that will host Friday night's return match-up.

Betfair's Mathew Thompson said punters have declared their hand in early betting.

“The way the market looks at present suggest the punters believe the Kangaroos are gazetted morals. $1.22 for a side that was beaten by this same opposition on the big stage last time out looks very short odds, but the Betfair traders don't get it wrong often.”

“Perhaps some money will arrive for Benji Marshall's Kiwis late in the week, especially so if that $4.00 gets any bigger, but at present it looks as if Australia will be the subjects of a good old fashioned plonk.”


AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND
SUNCORP STADIUM FRIDAY NIGHT

AUSTRALIA $1.21
NEW ZEALAND $3.85