All Blacks: Punters put their cash on rout by ABs

The TAB's book for tonight's rugby test match between New Zealand and England is looking "all black", with the nation's punters strongly backing the home side, TAB spokesman Mark Stafford said.

The betting agency had eased the All Blacks out of a 19.5 points head start after Kiwis strongly backed the ABs to record a big win at their traditional fortress, Eden Park.

"It's looking black, all black, everything is on the All Blacks," Mr Stafford said. "I thought it might turn around once the teams were named because people can often talk them-selves out of an All Blacks win, but that hasn't happened. Whatever line we put out they just say the All Blacks will beat it. Even though we've got Kieran Read and Julian Savea out, the public are not according the English much chance, not even to win but just to stay close."

With regular favourites Read and Savea out, money on the first try scorer option was fairly well spread, with the two Smiths, Ben and Aaron, popular choices.

The New Zealand public was also tipping the All Blacks for another unbeaten season, with plenty of bets placed on the team winning all 14 of its games this season.

The odds

• Head to head: NZ $1.05. England $8.50.
• Points start: New Zealand -19.5 $1.87. England +19.5 $1.87.
• First try scorer: Ben Smith $7.50. Cory Jane $9. Manu Tuilagi $15.