The 2nd week of the Rugby Championship 2005 takes place on Saturday 23 August and South Africa and Argentina will be looking to avenge painful round 1 defeats. In this blog we keep an eye on all things betting related.
WEATHER FOR ROUND 2
Posted 19 Aug 10h30
Below the current forecasts - check for updates and multiple sites before basing a bet on weather
South Africa v Australia - temp in low teens, cloudy, rain early in the day (watch), humidity around 70% - click here for Cape Town Updates
Argentina v New Zealand - temp in low teens, cool and clear, humidity in low 50's - click here for Buenos Aires Updates
Not a lot of betting movement and Boks still -13.5 but some money for AB's with the line now -10.5 from -8.5
BOK INJURY UPDATE
Posted 18 August 16h12
The Boks have bee hard hit by injuries but the betting remains stable at -13.5
Injured Players
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Siya Kolisi (captain, knee) – Grade 2 knee injury, expected out for 4–6 weeks. Doubtful for the All Blacks clash at Eden Park (6 Sept). Will miss Australia in Cape Town.
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Pieter-Steph du Toit (concussion) – Ruled out for this week but expected to return for Eden Park.
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Kurt-Lee Arendse (knee) – Sidelined for about 3 weeks.
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Edwill van der Merwe (ankle) – Also out for around 3 weeks.
Other Updates
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Jesse Kriel will captain South Africa against Australia in Cape Town.
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Damian de Allende and Cheslin Kolbe are available for selection.
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Jasper Wiese still suspended, due back for the second New Zealand test in Wellington.
Rugby Championship – Winner (Outright Market)
Posted Aug 17 21h15
New Zealand 7/20
South Africa 16/5
Australia 15/2
Argentina 50/1
The All Blacks are strong favourites after their win in Argentina, while Australia’s upset in Johannesburg has tightened the race behind them. South Africa remain second favourites despite their home defeat, with Argentina the big outsiders.
Round 2 Fixtures & Early Betting Lines
South Africa v Australia – Cape Town Stadium, 23 Aug, 17:10
South Africa 19/100
Draw 34/1
Australia 23/5
Handicap: South Africa -13.5
Argentina v New Zealand – Buenos Aires, 23 Aug, 23:10
Argentina 17/5
Draw 29/1
New Zealand 27/100
Handicap: Argentina +8.5
Rugby Championship 2025 – Round 2 Preview
Posted 17 Aug 21h11
South Africa v Australia – 23 August, Cape Town Stadium
The Springboks arrive in Cape Town under pressure after a shock 38–22 defeat at Ellis Park. Rassie Erasmus will demand a stronger defensive display and a more clinical 80 minute performance and he will no doubt call on Pollard to start at 10.
Australia, buoyed by their first win in South Africa since 2011, arrive with confidence and will be aiming to back up their Ellis Park heroics with another victory. Expect a physical battle up front and plenty of tactical kicking in what should be a tense rematch.
Argentina v New Zealand – 23 August, José Amalfitani Stadium, Buenos Aires
Argentina were competitive early but faded late in Córdoba, eventually falling 41–24. They’ll be encouraged by scoring three tries against the All Blacks, but their maul defence needs to improve.
The Pumas now face Robertson’s men in Buenos Aires, where the home crowd will expect them to push even harder.
The All Blacks, meanwhile, will be eager to maintain their early lead on the table and will be looking for more of the same.
Round 1 Recap
Posted 17 August 21h05
South Africa 22–38 Australia (Johannesburg)
Bet: 4 units Australia over 7.5 first-half points @ 0.87/1
Australia pulled off a shock win at Ellis Park, running in 38 points against the Springboks. However, they only managed 5 in the first half, leaving the first-half overs short.
Argentina 24–41 New Zealand (Buenos Aires)
Bet: 2 units Argentina win @ 28/10
The Pumas started brightly but faded as the All Blacks asserted control. A total of 65 points meant overs at 53.5 would have landed, but the outright Argentina play fell short. I was not in a great mood after the Bok game and decided to rather keep my interest small than chase losses and it proved a good move.
Round 1 Table
New Zealand, Played 1, Points 5
Australia, Played 1, Points 5
South Africa, Played 1, Points 0
Argentina, Played 1, Points 0
I will be back with the week 2 fixtures and handicaps shortly.