We take a look at 4 of the Rugby World Cup warm-ups taking place this weekend including the clash between Wales and South Africa at the Millennium Stadium.
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WALES v SOUTH AFRICA – Click here to bet
Wales are coming off two hard clashes against England starting two weeks ago at the Millennium Stadium when they came from behind to win 20-9. Last week they had England down to 12 men at Twickenham, but failed to get the win losing 19-17 in a game where they started as clear underdogs.
South Africa’s last action was in Argentina, two weeks ago, when they won 24-13 and before that they came second in the Rugby Championships with two wins in their three matches.
The last meeting these sides had at the Millennium Stadium was back in 2021 with South Africa winning 23-18 and there is usually very little to choose between these sides when the match is played in Wales.
The Boks have picked a strong side and although Wales have a good record against South Africa I think the visitors can win this one going away.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, South Africa -8.5 at 17/20
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IRELAND v ENGLAND – Click here to bet
Ireland’s last action came two weeks ago when they beat Italy 33-17 a result which wasn’t enough for them to beat the handicap.
They now face an English side that lost by 11 points to Wales in Cardiff, but bounced back last week with a 19-17 win at Twickenham. Overall it wasn’t a great performance by England, but they can take plenty of heart for the way they came back to win the game despite being down to 12 men.
These sides met in Dublin in the Six Nations back in March with Ireland winning 29-16 and they have now won three matches in a row against England with winning margins of 14, 17 and 13 respectively.
Although England haven’t really impressed in recent weeks this does look like a big handicap for a Rugby World Cup warm-up game and I think that England build on their last 10 minutes of last week and can beat this handicap.
Suggested Bet: England +15.5 at 17/20
ITALY v ROMANIA – Click here to bet
Italy’s last action was a 33-17 loss to Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Although they lost by 16 points there was a lot to like about the Italian performance and they certainly look dangerous with ball in hand.
Romania look to have a hard 6 weeks or so ahead of them after taking a 56-6 beating at the hands of Georgia last week.
These sides last played in 2022 with Italy winning by 32 points which is very much where the handicap is set for this one.
The team Italy have selected here suggests they want to make a statement and I think that a bruised and battered Romania side are going to be blown away.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Italy -31.5 at 9/10
FRANCE v FIJI – Click here to bet
France have been rocked this week with injuries to key players and their depth is certainly going to be tested in this Rugby World Cup. They are coming off back-to-back matches against Scotland having lost in Scotland 25-21 with a weakened side, but despite leading 21-3 at the break. More was expected of France last week and they were 16 point favourites with the Scots visiting their shores, but in the end France required a late penalty to win the game 30-27.
These sides have met twice since 2018 with France winning 28-0 in 2020 and Fiji stunning France 21-14 in 2018.
Fiji are being talked about as dark horses for their group which includes Wales and Australia in the Rugby World Cup and I think they can beat the handicap here against what looks like a disjointed French team.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Fiji +17.5 at 9/10
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
