2026 Rugby League World Cup Betting Tips - New Zealand vs Fiji (Round 3)

As was the case in Round 1, we again saw plenty of blowouts in Round 2. This included scorelines like 82-0 (England vs France) and 82-16 (New Zealand vs Cook Islands). The Aussies had a little bit of a fright, but did end up coming home with the win over Fiji 36-22.

For the third and final time of this World Cup, the BettingTop10 experts will go through the New Zealand clash and provide their opinions. The winner of this clash will move through into the Semi-Finals, so the stakes are at an all-time high. So, before kick-off, make sure you check out our tips for this game! 

After going down to Australia in a close one in Round 1, the New Zealand side bounced back extremely well last time out, beating the Cook Islands 82-16. Jamayne Isaako scored a hat-trick of tries, and a couple of others managed doubles to boot. This dominant win has really helped the Kiwis’ points differential as well.

They come up against a Fiji side that is also one win and one loss so far in this World Cup. Fiji proved too good for the Cook Islands in Round 1, winning 40-12. In Round 2, Fiji did give Australia a slight scare, but they did end up going down 22-36, after being just two points behind the Aussies at half-time. 

This means that whoever wins this game will finish in at least second place and make their way into the Semi-Finals. It’s clear that Fiji aren’t pushovers, but can they last the full 80 minutes with a team with as much firepower as New Zealand? The head-to-head odds point to a comfortable New Zealand victory.

Don’t expect too many changes from Round 2 to this clash for the Kiwis. Coach Stacey Jones seemingly doesn’t want to rock the boat, and needs his best side to ensure they get the win and move into the Semi-Finals. For Fiji, Bayleigh Bentley-Hape picked up an injury last time out and will be replaced by Sunia Turuva.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Fiji +36.5	NZ$1.76
	Fiji +36.5	NZ$1.76
	Fiji +36.5	NZ$1.76

Predicted Squads

New Zealand - Keano Kini, Jamayne Isaako, Dane Gagai, Casey McLean, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Kodi Nikorima, Jahrome Hughes, James Fisher-Harris, Jeremy Marshall-King, Moses Leota, Isaiah Papali'i, Briton Nikora, Joseph Tapine, Te Maire Martin, Naufahu Whyte, Erin Clark, Xavier Willison, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad & Scott Sorensen

Fiji - Sunia Turuva, Ronald Philitoga, Waqa Blake, Solomone Saukuru, Semi Valemei, Kurt Donoghoe, Brandon Wakeham, Jacob Saifiti, Apisai Koroisau, Emosi Ravosai, Taane Milne, Kitione Kautoga, Caleb Navale, Josese Lanyon, Elijah Keung, Jordan Miller, Joseph Litidamu, Jordan Leiu & Apenisa Driti

There’s a lot on the line for this clash, but here are three key betting influences that could have a major impact on how the game shakes out:

1. While there have certainly been some blowouts so far this tournament, Fiji have proven they aren’t pushovers. The Kiwis should get the win, but I can’t see them winning by over 37 points.
2. With both teams, especially the Kiwis, looking to make a statement, I think there will be plenty of points on offer. New Zealand managed 82 points last game!
3. Fiji managed to keep things close with Australia in Round 2, and they were only down two points at half-time. I can certainly see them keeping this one close in the first half again.

Multi of the Week

For those who are looking to place a multi on this clash, I’ve got you covered as well! There are plenty of new betting sites that offer multi markets. For this multi, I’ve got the odds from Betista: