The 2016 International Rugby break continues this weekend with Australia looking to level the series against England after a shock loss in Brisbane. Continue reading for our Test Rugby Australia vs England Preview and Betting Tips.
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Australia vs England (Saturday, June 18 at 8pm AEST)
The Australians may have scored four tries to three but England was definitely the deserved winners in this match. It was eight months ago when the Wallabies knocked them out of the World Cup on the back of a dominant scrum but the tale was turned in this contest as England regained the superiority in that area.
The Wallabies raced to an early 10-0 lead on the back of two brilliant tries but the coaching mind of Eddie Jones was able to counter this early onslaught by bringing on George Ford in the 29th minute which sparked his side’s attack. Ford went on to set up two of the away side’s three tries and he will be another instrumental piece in the line up for England this weekend.
In a massive blow for the Green and Gold, they will be without David Pocock for the rest of the series after he copped an eye injury in the opening game loss. His workload will need to be replaced whilst they will lose a massive threat at every breakdown. However, England Coach Jones doesn’t quite believe Pocock won’t take part in this weekend’s match and he is preparing for the Brumbies flanker to take the field.
The contest was incredibly entertaining with both teams bringing an attacking approach to the contest and we can expect the same this weekend. It will make for a lot of chances for both teams with the side’s putting the clearing kicks away and preferring to use the ball in their hands.
Bernard Foley will need to have done a lot of practice this week throughout training with his kicking boots, as it was ultimately his inability to kick over the conversions and penalties that left the Wallabies behind on the scoreboard. England’s five-eighth Owen Farrell slotted nine from ten and made sure his side capitalised on all of their opportunities. Foley will no doubt be better this weekend and that will benefit the Wallabies.
England’s defence was definitely a strength of theirs despite the two early tries. The Wallabies attack was fairly predictable and far too lateral at times. They will look at the tape this week and determine that straightening their attack will put the English defence on the back foot and keep them in two minds as they won’t be able to simply slide across the field. On the back of an improve attack, Foley’s goal kicking and the Wallabies desperate to even the series, we are predicting the Wallabies to earn a narrow victory.
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
