In the first round of the Rugby Championships the Aussies showed why so little respect is given to them as possible World Cup contenders as they were outplayed by a second strong Springbok side. The Argentines were left ruing a few missed opportunities as they pushed the All Blacks all the way and came within a few meters of beating the visiting New Zealanders in Buenos Aires. But let’s have a look at this coming weekend’s action..
New Zealand vs South Africa (Saturday @ 09:35) – Wellington
Both teams should look significantly different to the one that did duty in the first round of matches. This could prove to be a “mini final” of the 2019 Rugby Championship and as an extra side note this is also a pre-taste of the opening game of the Rugby World Cup for both these teams. Thus there is plenty to play for at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.
Rassie Erasmus has picked a starting fifteen that shouldn’t vary much from the one we will see jog out for the opener in Japan in a few months’ time. The tight five of the Boks is all power whilst Kwagga Smith gets his big shot at the big stage in the absence of Siya Kolisi. Amongst the backs Cheslin Kolbe would like to show the rugby public South f the equator exactly what those in the North already know – he is a game breaker of note. Lukhanyo Am is another one who needs to step up loud and clear.
Steve Hanson has sprung a surprise by unleashing Richie Mo’unga on the South Africans. Alongside the freakishly talented Crusaders pivot is the returning enigma that is Sonny Bill Williams. The top attacking stars will get to showcase their skills behind a first choice All Black tight five.
Verdict: The success of the Springbok “B” team left the coaches and supporters in a very positive mood. Things could quite quickly come tumbling down for the men in green in gold if they allow the home side to dictate terms upfront and allow SBW and Richie to strut their stuff. I reckon the All Blacks could take some time to get up and running and reckon they only pull away in the second half.
Bets:
BETOLIMP Value Bet: South Africa/New Zealand (HT/FT) @ 5.05
BETOLIMP Best Bet: NZ to win by 1-7 points @ 4.32
Special Bet: Last Tryscorer – Dane Coles @ 25.00 with BETOLIMP
Australia vs Argentina (Saturday @ 11:45) – Brisbane
Argentina showed us in the opening clash that they are more than capable of keeping the form and momentum of the Jaguares going into their international game. In the end the South Americans will feel disappointed that they couldn’t pick up the victory over a Kiwi team that they had on the ropes for long periods of the game. In contrast the Wallabies should have led at the break against the Springboks yet ended up taking a rather resounding beating at the hands of a South African “B” team.
The Argentines have built some good depth of late and their team looks plenty strong enough to target a win over a wounded and wobbling Wallaby side. The Aussies were pretty much in full on whinge mode in the aftermath of the Ellispark loss and Cheika and his troops will do well to focus all their attention on a very dangerous South American opponent. The home side have brought Christian Lealiifano in at ten and moved Beale to fifteen. They also finally have at least one real winger doing duty down the tramlines so the team can’t do worse than the one that went belly-up in Johannesburg. Watch out for James O’Connor off the bench.
Verdict: Team selection has shown me that the Argies really want a morale boosting victory. The Jaguares have shown that travel is no major factor for these lads and I reckon they are serious contenders for the victory at Suncorp.
Bets:
BETOLIMP Value Bet: Argentina/Argentina (HT/FT) @ 5.03
BETOLIMP Best Bet: Argentina to win @ 3.40
Special Bet: First try – Ramiro Moyano @ 13.00 with BETOLIMP
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
Couch Critic
