After a one-week break, the Rugby Championship returns for Round 3 with Australia hosting Argentina at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville. We will take a closer look at the contest from a betting perspective and highlight some potential plays.
AUSTRALIA
The Wallabies made headlines in the opening round by securing a historic 38-22 victory over South Africa, a result that gave them plenty of momentum. However, they were unable to back it up in Round 2, going down 30-22 in Cape Town.
Form-wise, Australia have won two of their last three matches. Those fixtures came against high-quality opposition, with three against the British and Irish Lions and the other two against South Africa.
Australia starting Lineup
Australia: 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Corey Toole, 10 Tom Lynagh, 9 Nic White, 8 Harry Wilson (captain), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Tom Hooper, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Billy Pollard, 1 Tom Robertson.
Replacements: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Carlo Tizzano, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 James O’Connor, 23 Filipo Daugunu
ARGENTINA
Argentina hosted New Zealand in the opening two rounds of the tournament. They were beaten 41-24 in the first Test but bounced back in stunning fashion to claim a historic 29-23 victory, their first-ever home win over the All Blacks.
The Pumas are clearly a team on the rise. Confidence is growing within the squad, and if they can back up that breakthrough result with another win in Townsville, they will put themselves firmly in contention for a maiden Rugby Championship title.
Argentina Starting Lineup
Argentina: 15-Juan Cruz Mallia, 14-Bautista Delguy, 13-Lucio Cinti, 12-Santiago Chocobares, 11-Mateo Carreras, 10-Santiago Carreras, 9-Gonzalo Garcia, 8-Pablo Matera, 7-Juan Martin Gonzalez, 6-Marcos Kremer, 5-Pedro Rubiolo, 4-Franco Molina, 3-Joel Sclavi, 2-Julian Montoya (captain), 1-Mayco Vivas.
Replacements: 16-Ignacio Ruiz, 17-Boris Wenger, 18-Francisco Coria Marchetti, 19-Guido Petti, 20-Joaquin Oviedo, 21-Agustin Moyano, 22-Geronimo Prisciantelli, 23-Benjamin Elizalde
Head-to-Head
These two sides met twice in last year’s Rugby Championship, with both fixtures played in Argentina. Australia edged the first match 20-19, before the Pumas bounced back in spectacular fashion to claim a 67-27 victory in the return clash.
Betting and Verdict
- Australia 1.47
- Argentina 3.00
- Draw 29.00
- Handicap: Australia -5.5
Argentina come into this match full of belief after their historic win over New Zealand, but Australia’s recent form is hard to ignore. Victories over South Africa and the British and Irish Lions in the past month underline the Wallabies’ progress, and with home advantage in Townsville, they should have the edge.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Australia [-5.5] at 1.95
Both Argentina and Australia prefer an expansive style, looking to move the ball wide rather than grinding through the middle. With each side boasting one of the most dangerous back threes in world rugby, it would be no surprise to see a winger or fullback crossing for the opening try.
Suggested Bet: Position to score first try – 11, 14 or 15 at 2.50.
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