South Africa head into Round 5 of the Rugby Championship looking to defend their title with two matches remaining. This weekend they host Argentina in Durban, and in this preview we’ll assess the betting angles, including the handicap and a couple of suggested plays.
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South Africa
The Springboks had a shaky start to their campaign, losing to Australia at home in the opening round. They bounced back in Round 2 with a hard-fought win over the same opposition, restoring some momentum. Their tour to New Zealand brought mixed fortunes — they went down in the first test but responded with a historic 10–43 victory in the second, producing a dominant second-half performance that will live long in the memory. South Africa now sit second on the table, just one point behind leaders Australia, and remain firmly in the title race with two rounds to go.
South Africa Lineup
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Morné van den Berg, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen.
Argentina
Argentina’s campaign has been a rollercoaster. They opened with a heavy defeat to New Zealand in Round 1 but bounced back with a historic first-ever home victory over the All Blacks in Round 2. The Pumas then travelled to Australia where they pushed the Wallabies all the way in Round 3, only to lose in the final play. In Round 4, however, they turned the tables, edging Australia 28–26 in a nail-biting finish to keep their hopes of a Rugby Championship title alive.
Argentina starting Lineup
15 Juan Cruz Mallía, 14 Rodrigo Isgró, 13 Lucio Cinti, 12 Santiago Chocobares, 11 Mateo Carreras, 10 Santiago Carreras, 9 Gonzalo García, 8 Joaquín Oviedo, 7 Marcos Kremer, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Lucas Paulos, 4 Franco Molina, 3 Joel Sclavi, 2 Julián Montoya (captain), 1 Mayco Vivas.
Replacements: 16 Ignacio Ruiz, 17 Boris Wenger, 18 Francisco Coria Marchetti, 19 Guido Petti, 20 Pedro Rubiolo, 21 Juan Martín González, 22 Simón Benítez Cruz, 23 Tomás Albornoz.
Head-to-head
South Africa have won four of their last five matches against Argentina. Last year the sides met twice with Argentina winning the first match at home and South Africa absolutely dominating in the second to win the match 48-7.
Betting and Verdict
South Africa 1.11
Argentina 9.00
Draw 41.00
Handicap: South Africa –15.5 at 1.91
South Africa know they need a big performance this weekend if they are to stay in contention for the title heading into the final round. With last week’s massive win against New Zealand and a record of putting Argentina away convincingly at home, I think the Boks can cover this line.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, South Africa –15.5 at 1.91
My 2nd bet is in the 1st try scorer market.
Malcolm Marx is the favourite at 9.50 but after his impressive showing in Wellington I am looking for Ethan Hooker to cross the line 1st.
Suggested Bet: Ethan Hooker 1st try scorer at 13.00
Click here for all South Africa v Argentina Markets
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
