The Rugby championship gets going this weekend and we take a look at both matches from a betting angle.
Let’s start with a look at the Outright Betting where New Zealand are trading at 11/20 favourites ahead of South Africa at 5/2, you can get 15/2 Australia and 14/1 Argentina.
Click here for Rugby Championship Outright Betting
NEW ZEALAND v AUSTRALIA
Australia started last week’s Bledisloe Cup match at Eden Park in impressive form, but it was New Zealand who pulled clear in the second half to lead by 27 points at one stage. The Australians came back though to lose 33-25 comfortably beating the handicap we had tipped in our preview.
This fixture is once again at Eden Park, a ground where Australia has not won at since 1986.
TEAMS
New Zealand: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 David Havili, 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Dalton Papalii, 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Sam Whitelock (captain), 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Luke Jacobson, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Jordie Barrett
Australia: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Tom Wright, 13 Hunter Paisami, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Matt Phillip, 4 Darcy Swain, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Harry Wilson, 21 Nic White, 22 Len Ikitau, 23 Reece Hodge
BETTING – Click here to bet
New Zealand 1/12
Draw 60/1
Australia 9/1
Handicap: New Zealand (-21.5) at 9/10, Australia (+21.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Australia (+21.5) at 9/10
I was impressed by Australia last week and if anything I think they have selected a stronger team. They dominated the match for large periods and although they failed to capitalise on all their chances, missing a number of kicks at post, I am anticipating a big performance from them here and think they can stay within that 3 converted try margin.
SOUTH AFRICA v ARGENTINA
This match takes place in Gqeberha and although it has been raining all week the forecast suggests that conditions should be decent on the day.
The Boks are resting a number of key players having come through 3 successive tough weeks against the British & Irish Lions. That being said, they still selected a strong side with a pack that should give Argentina plenty to think about and if they do get front foot ball to the backline they can do plenty of damage.
Argentina are coming off a series victory against Wales away and they will be fired up to make a strong start to the Rugby Championship. They have historically given South Africa plenty to think about in this tournament particularly in the opening match.
TEAMS
South Africa: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Aphelele Fassi, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Kwagga Smith, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ox Nché.
Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Marco van Staden, 21 Dan du Preez, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Morné Steyn
Argentina: 15 Santiago Carreras, 14 Bautista Delguy, 13 Santiago Chocobares, 12 Jerónimo De La Fuente, 11 Matías Moroni, 10 Nicolás Sánchez, 9 Felipe Ezcurra, 8 Rodrigo Bruni, 7 Facundo Isa, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Marco Kremer, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Francisco Gomez Kodela,2 Julian Montoya (Captain), 1 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro.
Replacements:16 Facundo Bosch, 17 Carlos Muzzio, 18 Santiago Medrano, 19 Tomas Lavanini, 20 Matias Alemanno, 21 Gonzalo Bertranou, 22 Domingo Miotti, 23 Sebastian Cancelliere
BETTING – Click here to bet
South Africa 3/10
Draw 35/1
Argentina 28/10
Handicap: South Africa (-8.5) at 9/10, Argentina (+8.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Half-time/Full-Time, Argentina/South Africa at approx. 5/1 (not priced at the time of posting)
I can see Argentina coming out of the blocks quickly, but the Boks have a strong bench and can gain ascendency in the scrums in the second half to come back to win the match.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
