The Rugby Championship continues this weekend with a repeat of last week’s fixtures as South Africa host New Zealand and Argentina are at home to Australia. We take a look at both games from a betting angle.
Let’s start with a look at the Rugby Championship Outright betting which has been shaken up after the Boks stunning 16 point win over New Zealand last week. South Africa are now into 15/20 favourites with New Zealand out from 9/10 to 2/1 and Australia 4/1 third favourites, Argentina are rank outsiders at 80/1.
Click here for Rugby Championship Outright Betting
SOUTH AFRICA v NEW ZEALAND
This match takes place at Ellis Park, very much a South African fortress. The Boks turned in probably the most dominant performance they have ever had against New Zealand, winning 26-10, the score line many who watched the game would feel flattered the All Blacks.
The South Africans as expected dominated the scrums and their rushed defence proved too much for an All Black side that looked to be running out of ideas. The only disappointment for the Boks was the late red card of Kurt-Lee Arendse and in the lead up to this game Bongi Mbonambi has had to pull out and Joseph Dweba starts in the 2 jersey.
The All Blacks are under all sorts of pressure and I can only imagine the frosty reception they will get if they return home having lost both games against the Boks. Should that be the case it is very unlikely that Coach Foster will still be in his job.
They took it till the 78th minute to score their first try in Nelspruit last week and will be hoping the return of Richie Mo’unga to fly half will be the catalyst they need for an improved performance on attack. Probably the area they will really need to step up though is in the tight five where South Africa looked the far superior unit last week.
As much as Ellis Park is a fortress for the Boks, New Zealand have won 2 of their last 3 meetings here.
BETTING – Click here to bet
South Africa 5/10
Draw 22.00
New Zealand 2.00
Handicap: South Africa -5.5
Suggested Bet: Over 47.5 points at 9/10
The Boks suffocated New Zealand last week and while I am expecting a Bok win here I do think there are going to be more opportunities to score for both sides in what should be perfect conditions at Ellis Park.
ARGENTINA V AUSTRALIA
Argentina were well backed last week against Australia with the handicap moving from +8.5 to +3.5 at kick off. That was on the back of a number of Australian injuries, but also a feeling that Argentina may turn the corner under Coach Michael Cheika. Argentina led 26-17 with 25 minutes to go, but Australia stormed back to score 24 unanswered points winning the match 41-26.
Argentina will be very disappointed to have let that lead slip and it remains to be seen how they are going to respond to the loss.
Australia have been hard hit by injuries, but still managed to get the win last week and of all the sides in the Outright Betting I have to say the 4/1 Australia looks the best value given they play both tests against the Boks in Australia.
Australia have had the better of things against Argentina of late winning their last 3 matches all of those by double figure margins.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Argentina 1.80
Draw 25.00
Australia 8/15
Handicap: Argentina +4.5
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Argentina +5.5 at 17/20
I still think Argentina are good for a win against an Australian side and expecting them to keep going for the full 80 minutes this time around.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
