South Africa v Australia Betting Preview, Saturday 23 August
The 2025 Rugby Championship opened with a shock result as Australia stunned South Africa at Ellis Park, an upset few had predicted. The two sides now head to Cape Town for round two, where we’ll look at the clash from a betting perspective and highlight a few suggested plays.
Outright betting Update – click here to bet
New Zealand have firmed to 1.36 from 1.83 and South Africa are out to 4.20. Australia are 8.00 and Argentina 81.00.
Previous Test – South Africa v Australia (16 August)
Last weekend’s contest looked to be going South Africa’s way early on. The Springboks raced out to a commanding start, crossing for three unanswered tries, and most assumed the game was effectively over. But Australia rallied superbly, turning the match on its head to claim a memorable 22–38 victory.
South Africa
The Springboks had begun the year in impressive fashion, stringing together four consecutive wins before that defeat brought their momentum to a halt. Coach Rassie Erasmus has reacted strongly, making 10 changes to his starting XV, some enforced by injury, others due to the return of previously unavailable players. The reshuffled lineup will be looking to reassert control in Cape Town and avoid back-to-back losses to the Wallabies.
South Africa Starting Lineup
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Jesse Kriel (captain), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jean-Luc du Preez, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche (vice-captain)
Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Lood de Jager, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Australia
Since the conclusion of the opening test of the British & Irish Lions tour, Australian rugby has looked like one of the most dangerous forces in world rugby. They fell agonisingly short in the second test, losing on the final play, before bouncing back to win the third. That momentum carried into last weekend, when they delivered a statement performance against South Africa. On current form, they could well be the most in-form team in world rugby right now and if they win this test the 8.00 they win the tournament will be long gone.
Australia starting Lineup
15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph-Akuso Suaalii, 12 Len Iketau, 11 Corey Toole, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Nic White, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Tom Hooper, 5 Will Skelton, 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 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Andrew Kellaway
Head-to-Head
Despite their upset win last weekend, Australia have still managed just one victory in their last five meetings with South Africa. The last time the two sides clashed in Cape Town was back in 2014, when the Springboks ran out 28–10 winners.
Betting & Verdict
South Africa head into this clash as strong favourites at 1.22, with Australia priced at 5.00 and the draw available at 41.00.
Few things in world rugby are more dangerous than a wounded Springbok side at home, and that is exactly what Australia will be up against this weekend in Cape Town. With a refreshed lineup and several star players returning, South Africa should reassert themselves and deliver the kind of dominant performance most expect.
Suggested Bet: Handicap – South Africa [-13.5] at 1.95.
The return of Cheslin Kolbe and Kadin Moodie gives South Africa two of the best wings in the game, while Australia also boast excellent wide men in Toole and Jorgensen. With so much firepower on the flanks and at fullback, I am backing the first try to come from the back three.
Suggested Bet: First try scorer by position – number 11, 14 or 15 at 2.50.
Click here for all South Africa v Australia Markets
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
