The final match of this year’s Tri-Nations takes place at the Bankwest Stadium in Australia on Saturday and we take a look at the game from a betting angle.
New Zealand effectively wrapped up the Tri-Nations with a convincing 38-0 win over Argentina last week. The mathematical permutations for either Australia or Argentina to overtake them on the table are not even worth considering as victories are required close to or over 100 point margins.
This battle is all about who will finish 2nd on the table and Australia go in as firm favourites after a turbulent week for Argentina.
Let’s start though with a look at Australia’s form in this Tournament. Things didn’t start well for them with a 38 point loss against New Zealand, but they bounced back to beat the All Blacks 24-22 next time out. They then had a week off before playing out a 15-15 draw against Argentina. They once again come into this fixture after a week off.
Argentina on the other hand are playing in their 4th successive match in this Tournament. They opened with a stunning 10 point win over New Zealand and then hung in to grab a draw against Australia. Things unravelled for them last week though with New Zealand beating them 38-0, a match in which they started 17 point favourites. There has been further drama in the camp which resulted in the suspension (subsequently reversed) of 3 players including the Captain, Matera and aside from tired legs the morale in the camp must be questionable albeit they are said to be united and fired up.
The last 4 meetings between these sides in Australia have all been close with the draw preceded by a 6 point win for Australia and a 4 point win for Argentina.
BETTING - Click here to bet
Australia 2/11
Draw 35/1
Argentina 9/2
Handicap: Australia (-12.5) at 9/10, Argentina (+12.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Half-Time Handicap, Australia (-6.5) at 9/10
Argentina are a proud nation and we can expect some fight, but there is so much going against them from the loss of their Captain to the fact they play their 4th successive match. Australia took criticism after allowing them back in for a draw last time out and I think the Wallabies will start strong and lead this by 7 or more at the break.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
