New Zealand vs England Prediction and Betting Tips: Best bets for second test

After a tense first Test saw New Zealand edge out England 16-15 in Dunedin, the two heavyweights go to battle once again on Saturday for the second Test, which will take place at Eden Park in Auckland.

Tries from Crusaders winger Sevu Reece and Hurricanes and Wellington loose forward Ardie Savea helped the All Blacks on their way to victory, with Damian McKenzie kicking two from four.

England more than held their own in the contest, with Saracens lock Maro Itoje and young Exeter Chiefs star Immanuel Feyi-Waboso both crossing and the Red Rose will be hoping that they can get the better of New Zealand for the first time since 2019 at the weekend.

The All Blacks have a meeting with Fiji on the horizon next week and their victory last time out was their first since bowing out of the 2023 World Cup to eventual winners South Africa - a match they arguably should have won despite playing almost an hour with 14 men.

Meanwhile, last week’s loss made it three defeats in 2024 for Steve Borthwick’s men, after being beaten by both France and Scotland in what was a disappointing Six Nations campaign. The defeat was also marred by the loss of experienced prop Joe Marler, who has now withdrawn from the tour after sustaining a foot injury and has been replaced by Emmanuel Iyogun.

England have had an unfortunate habit of starting slowly in recent performances and they could be caught out by the intensity and speed of the All Blacks attack if they are not careful.

Borthwick’s side have conceded the first points in five of their last seven matches - only scoring first against France and Scotland in the Six Nations - while they have also conceded the opening points in both of their last two meetings with New Zealand.

The hosts have shown their ability to start fast in recent fixtures, scoring first in six of their last eight and they could race out of the blocks in Auckland to take the lead.

With very little to separate the two sides in Dunedin last Saturday, another close encounter is expected in Auckland, but home advantage should see the All Blacks edge to another victory and continue their impressive home record over the Red Rose.

New Zealand have won 14 of their 16 meetings with England on home soil - with their last defeat coming back in 2003 - and the overall head-to-head record sees the All Blacks comfortably on top with 34 wins from 44 meetings.

Borthwick has a tricky task ahead of him if England are to end their recent misery on the road, with England winning just two of their last eight away matches, however one of these victories came in Japan in June (52-17).

England should therefore put up a stern fight against New Zealand this weekend, but it is hard to see them beating one the best sides on their own turf.

Four of England’s last six away matches have been separated by no more than five points and another close winner here could be in store, albeit with the Red Rose on the wrong side.