The Under 20 IRB World Championship gets going on Saturday and we suggest a bet in all 6 of the opening matches.
South Africa are favourites at 5/2 to win the U20 Championship with France 28/10, you can get 3/1 New Zealand, 5/1 Australia and 6/1 Ireland with the rest available at 14/1 and better.
Click here for all of the World Rugby U20 Championship Long-Term Markets
Argentina v Italy – Click here to bet
Handicap: Argentina -3.5
Argentina looks set to go into this game as favourites, but I expect that the bookmakers maybe under-estimating Italy who finished 3rd in the U20 Six Nations when they narrowly lost to France and England, got convincingly beaten by Ireland, but managed to eat both Wales and Scotland.
The Italian front row looks formidable and in what promises to be tough conditions I am going to ignore the handicap and back them to win the match.
Suggested Bet: Italy win at 16/10
England v Ireland – Click here to bet
Handicap: England +6.5
There has been some support for Ireland in the Outright Markets with 8/1 on offer when we wrote the Outright Preview, but they are now into 6/1.
These two sides met in the final week of the U20 Six Nations action with Ireland winning 36-24 at home, a result that saw them complete the Grand Slam and saw England finish a disappointing 4th.
I am expecting this to be a tight game, but I am going to go for Ireland to lead at half-time and to win the match.
Suggested Bet: Half-Time/Full-Time, Ireland/Ireland at 8/10
France v Japan – Click here to bet
Handicap: France -30.5 at 10/11
France are missing a couple of their star players who are involved with the senior side’s preparations for the Rugby World Cup, but they are still able to put out a formidable team and Japan certainly have it all to do. We know that Japan won’t die wondering, but I think they are up against a side that is going to bully them up front. Although we have a high handicap here, I am leaning towards the French on the minus, but will also have a look at the points lines closer to kick-off.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, France -30.5 at 10/11
Wales v New Zealand – Click here to bet
Handicap: Wales +27.5
Wales finished bottom of the U20 Six Nations without winning a match and they face a New Zealand side who have great pedigree in this Tournament, but haven't won it in some time.
New Zealand were stunned in their preparations when they went down to Australia, but they should be too strong for this Welsh outfit and I am backing New Zealand to win this by at least 4 converted tries.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, New Zealand -27.5 at 8/10
Australia v Fiji – Click here to bet
Handicap: Australia -25.5
I haven't had the opportunity to see this Fiji side play so it is hard to know what to make of them, but I have been impressed by what I have seen of the Aussies and with points different quite likely to be a factor in determining who goes through to the playoffs, I am looking for Australia to win this one going away.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Australia -25.5 at 10/11
South Africa v Georgia – Click here to bet
Handicap: South Africa -22.5
This handicap has come in from the opening call of South Africa -28.5 to a current line of -22.5. I would certainly have been on the +28.5 on Georgia who beat England in a preparation match, but at the current line of 22.5 I find myself leaning towards a strong baby Boks team.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, South Africa -22.5 at 8/10
Click here for betting on all of the weekends Rugby action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
