The Rugby Championship returns this weekend, with the Pumas in New Zealand and the Springboks in Australia.
New Zealand v Argentina
The Pumas enjoyed a great win in Salta in Round 2, beating the Springboks by two points, and they’ll take confidence into this clash with the All Blacks.
Unfortunately, they’ll need a lot more than confidence to challenge New Zealand, and won’t get anything out of this game. They might be able to keep it tight in the first quarter or so, but it feels like the home side can find ways to run in a few tries, regardless of the opposition.
My Prediction: NEW ZEALAND to beat Argentina by 28
The average SuperBru pick is New Zealand by 22, and Paddy Power has NZ by 24.
Australia v South Africa
This is a tricky one to call, and both teams have been underperforming recently. The Wallabies haven’t actually won a game since the Rugby World Cup, and the coach and his team have been under fire down under. Bernard Foley has been out of form, but continues at inside-centre, whilst Dean Mumm starts at blindside in an attempt to shore up a faltering lineout.
The Springboks are always under fire from their hugely demanding fans and story-hungry media, and there are always criticisms of the team selection no matter which players take to the field. I can actually see them winning this one though, and if they revert to type and bring a strong set piece, they could dominate possession and muscle their way to victory.
My Prediction: SOUTH AFRICA to beat Australia by 2
The average SuperBru pick is Australia by 1, and Paddy Power has Australia by 4.
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Hoping for an Australia win. A broken spirited South Africa would be ideal for the forth coming AIs. That said, it would be good to have SA at their full strength playing England so we can see just how far England have progressed.
I don’t think Argentina will win…but I think it’ll be closer than 28. But then I do love an underdog.