The Wallabies and Springboks enter Saturday’s Test in Adelaide with very different form lines in The Rugby Championship. The Wallabies will be hoping to quickly put behind them a disastrous 48-17 crashlanding against Argentina in San Juan. On the other hand, the South Africans played like the World Cup winners of 2019 by beating the All Blacks convincingly in one Test and leading them in another. So which Wallabies side will turn up at Adelaide Oval?
The Rugby Championships 2022 Week 3 Preview & Betting Tips
Australia v South Africa
Adelaide Oval, Saturday August 27, 3:35pm (AEST)
The Wallabies nearly always play well at their next start after copping a huge spray in the media for a sub-par performance. That external loud hailer works as well as the coach’s bark oftentimes. They were outmuscled, outkicked, and beaten in every part of the game by Argentina two weeks ago. It was dire. The lack of authority in the air with players not committing to catching balls on the full was alarming. That’s South Africa’s number one method of pressure so expect it to rain high kicks in Adelaide. Recalled fullback Reece Hodge spilt too many high kicks in Super Rugby Pacific but his form has improved since. He needs to nail this part of the game as do his wingers.
The Wallabies played extremely well to twice beat the Boks last year. Cleverness and creativity were a big part of that with Quade Cooper as playmaker. He also had Samu Kerevi beside him to inflict some blunt force trauma. This Wallabies backline looks far more straight-up-and-down. Neither flyhalf Noah Lolesio nor inside centre Hunter Paisami are schemers with their ball-play. Much will rely on halfback Nic White to run, threaten the line and maybe open a hole.
The Boks will skittle guileless runners coming directly at them all day. The Wallabies need to retain the ball, go through their phases and be patient enough to build for chances. Coach Dave Rennie has said counterattack off turnovers is his responsibility and frankly, it has been average. An ad lib attack to catch the Boks scrambling has to be part of any winning mindset. This South African pack is massive and physically imposing with Etzebeth, de Jager, Malherbe, Marx and co. They are on a revenge mission after last year’s two losses in Australia. The Boks will kick a lot, rush in defence, be patient and seize on errors. Centre Lukhanyo Am is in the best form of his career and can break the line with his right-foot step and fend. He made six line breaks in two Tests against the All Blacks. Watch him. Can the Wallabies be just as patient? It’s hard to know. The cavalry has arrived with the return of some injured players. Two fit-again hookers and prop Allan Alaalatoa will make a big difference as will burly lock Matt Philip.
The afternoon kick-off will help the Wallabies more as in improve their handling. The Boks have lost six and drawn one of their last seven Tests in Australia. The Wallabies get it done on home soil. The Wallabies need to show some cleverness to win this, and it may come after the 50-minute mark when reserve halfback Tate McDermott adds his speed and quickness. If they do, they can win this at $2.50, although the best value looks to be taking the Boks to win in the 1-12 margin range.
South Africa Win By 1-12
$2.60 (3 Units)
New Zealand v Argentina
Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch Saturday, August 27, 5:45pm (AEST)
The All Blacks produced a mighty comeback to beat South Africa 35-23 in their most recent Test in Johannesburg. There was speed, big metres gained on the edges, patient build-up, the marvellous Ardie Savea and a pack answering the physical challenge. They rose above Beauden Barrett’s late yellow card too. Expect the Kiwis to go on with it against Argentina as much as the Pumas have improved. A Richie Mo’unga Anytime Try at $2.60 at TAB.com.au has a good look to it. The All Blacks are being asked to cover a massive 21.5 points on the margin bet. The All Blacks are busting to run riot so the $1.95 to do so is worth a nibble too.
Richie Mo’unga Anytime Try
$2.60
