Couch Critic previews the Tri Nations clash between New Zealand and Argentina and selected matches in the Autumn Nations Cup including best bets with @Olimp_SA
The Six Nations took only two weeks to complete and as such some additional international rugby action up North was required. We now get that in the form of the newly formed Autumn Nations Cup – Georgia and Fiji joining the regular Six Nations for this comp.
Ireland vs Wales – Friday 13 Nov @ 21:00, Aviva Dublin
Wales ended up having a torrid time in the 2020 Six Nations only picking up a solitary home win over Italy. In this reverse fixture the Welsh lost 24-14 to Ireland and since the COVID break the Dragons slipped to a defeat against Scotland as well as a sound loss in France.
Defeat to the French in the final Six Nations fixture relegated the Irish to a third-place finish. They did however take care of business against Scotland, Wales and Italy when hosting in Dublin and remain a team that is extremely tough to beat home soil.
In team news Ireland have brought in a few fresh faces. Ronan Kelleher starting at hooker makes it an all-Leinster frontrow whilst Gibson-Park at nine and James Lowe on the wing are other Leinster lads getting a run. There seems to be a good blend of experience and fringe players pushing for a spot in this match day
squad. The Welsh for their part will have a 150-cap test legend in their midst along with other stalwarts like Leigh Halfpenny and Jonathan Davies.
Betolimp Bets:
Make no bones about it – this is a strong Wales side. They have however struggled for some recent form and haven’t found their groove without Gatland at the helm. Ireland are also extremely tough to topple at home and I’m expecting the regular close battle with the visitors refusing to go away completely, but still ultimately tasting defeat.
HT/FT Margin – Ireland (1-8) / Ireland (1-12) @ 5.50
Additional Plays
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Wincast – James Lowe to score first try and Ireland to win @ 10.00
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Anytime Scorecast – Ronan Kelleher to score anytime and Ireland to win by 6-10 points @ 13.00
New Zealand vs Argentina – Saturday 14 Nov @ 08:10, Bankwest Sydney
The All Blacks seem to be impressing one week and then dropping their guard the next. This time around they have to bounce back from defeat to Australia. Ian Foster has selected a much stronger looking side to try and turn things around against Argentina who will be playing in their first game of the comp. This match will be played in Parramatta, just outside of Sydney.
Betolimp Bets:
The Kiwis should be ready to fire whilst Los Pumas might take some time to settle in. The Latins are however a proud nation who won’t just throw in the towel, so I see a bit of value in the following play.
HT/FT Margin – New Zealand (9+) /New Zealand (1-12) @ 17.00
Additional Plays
Italy vs Scotland – Saturday 14 Nov @ 14:45, Artemio Franchi Florence
Townsend has handed Duncan Weir a start at 10 in place of Finn Russell but it is Duhan van der Merwe that excites on the left wing (other Saffas include Ollie Kebble and WP Nel as the two prop replacements on the bench). Italy enjoyed an historic victory over the Springboks in Florence so should have good memories here but the likes of Van der Merwe and Hogg will surely prove to be too much for them to contain for 80 minutes.
England vs Georgia – Saturday 14 Nov @ 17:00, Twickenham
There has long been talk of Georgia deserving a permanent spot in this Northern tournament. During this Autumn Nations Cup they get the chance to show what they could bring to the party. One can be sure the Georgians won’t lack for motivation and hunger yet keeping England honest is certainly a strenuous mountain to climb. England have had game time and will be match shar, the same can’t be said of the Georgians who will try and make this a battle rather than a spectacle.
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
