The big money for the epic trans-Tasman rugby World Cup clash tomorrow has been solidly in New Zealand's favour, despite a late rally for the Wallabies on the New South Wales TAB.
Up until late yesterday afternoon, the Wallabies were friendless in betting on the semifinal, but there had been aflurry of action since then, NSW TAB spokesman Glenn Mumsie said.
"By the end of trading yesterday (Thursday) the bets we took for the day were two to one in favour of Australia," he told NZPA.
They included four bets of $A9500 ($NZ10,974) on the Wallabies, while today there was a noticeable trend of small bets on the Australians.
"The smaller punters have fallen in behind the Wallabies today."
However, the weight of money has not been heavy enough to lower Australia's odds. They were still paying $A3.50 today, compared to only $A1.28 for the All Blacks.
The reason is because the TAB took several big bets on the All Blacks earlier in the week. One was for $A25,000 at $A1.30, two were for $A20,000 at $A1.30 and one for $A20,000 at $A1.28.
At Bill Hurley's Australian Sportsbook, the All Blacks are only $A1.22 compared to $A4.35 for Australia.
"All the money has been for New Zealand," Sportsbook spokesman Howard Creagh said.
The office took bets of $A22,000 and $A17,000 on the All Blacks giving Australia 11 points start at $A1.90 and was now offering 11-1/2 points start at $A1.85 such was the strength of money for the Kiwis.
New Zealand has been a popular bet with the NSW TAB to win the Cup final. They have been backed in to $A2.10 favouritism, ahead of England at $A3.75, France at $A5 and Australia at $A6.50.
On the New Zealand TAB, the All Blacks are $1.18 to beat Australia, with their opponents paying $4.50. The All Blacks are paying $1.85 to win the tournament.
