The Wallabies were pumped by 31 points in Pretoria last weekend. Playing at the stronghold of South African rugby isn’t like a game on the road at Penrith Park in the NRL.
The Springboks are a 15-point better side at home. At high altitude. With a beast-mode pack. With a roaring full house behind them. And against a team being pieced together for the first time.
So, what do we expect from the Wallabies in more comfortable surroundings at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium against Argentina on Saturday night? Jim Tucker brings you his preview and betting tips for Round 2 of The Rugby Championship.
2023 The Rugby Championship Round 2 Preview & Betting Tips
Australia v Argentina
Sat, July 15 CommBank Stadium, Sydney 7:45pm (AEST)
The Wallabies need to nail this win at home and some of the selection juggles will help. Winger Mark Nawaqanitawase will be far more productive than Suliasi Vunivalu, the big body of Samu Kerevi will provide much-needed go-forward from inside centre and giant lock Will Skelton will be a week further along in meshing with the pack. Towering lock partner Richie Arnold wins a start so this will be fascinating to see how he fits with Skelton.
Overall, the Wallabies just need to blow away the shocker in Pretoria and assert that home ground advantage is just as significant in Australia. They can turn it around quickly.
The heavy loss to the Springboks highlighted that you don’t win any Test without the required physicality, especially against South Africa in Pretoria.
The Argentinians have a physical, experienced pack so this Test will be hard won.
Beware the Pumas. The Argentinians have knocked off the All Blacks, England and the Wallabies over the past 12 months. The 48-17 win over the Wallabies in San Juan was a landslide.
That said they are coming off their own tough loss, 41-12 to the All Blacks in Mendoza a week ago.
One Wallaby already in top form is Marika Koroibete. He was a beacon in Pretoria with his strong running, his early try and hustle chasing kicks. He's $2.25 (Ladbrokes) for an Anytime Try on Saturday. His sort of energy has to be replicated across the park.
No team kicked more than the Wallabies (32) in the opening round of The Rugby Championship. It will be interesting to judge if that is one of the Eddie Jones musts for all Tests, just a tactic for Pretoria or in need of better balance.
Expect some stiffer defence from the Wallabies too.
Wallabies 1-12
$2.50 (4 Units)
New Zealand v South Africa
Sat, July 15 Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland 5:05pm (AEST)
The Springboks sent an advance party of stars to Auckland to have them in the best shape possible, after jet lag. Those players all skipped the Test against the Wallabies last weekend.
That’s why you’re seeing nine new faces in this Boks side, including giant locks Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager. Flanker Kwagga Smith and quicksilver winger Cheslin Kolbe are others while Damian Willemse will be the new flyhalf.
Because of the COVID years, this is the first Test for the Springboks on Kiwi soil since 2019 and the 16-all draw of Wellington.
Coaching duo Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber masterminded a 36-34 win over the All Blacks in 2018 and that pair are still pulling the strings.
These two powerhouse teams shared the spoils 1-all when playing in South Africa last year. The Boks have to disrupt with their physicality, defence and set piece strengths.
That way they can stifle and stress the All Blacks.
It will be a terrific match-up in a World Cup year.
Only the All Blacks could start Damian McKenzie at flyhalf last weekend and have the depth to leave him out altogether for this Test with Richie Mo’unga coming in. That’s scary depth.
The silky moves of Will Jordan come in on the wing rather than at fullback. Backing Jordan to score an Anytime Try is always worth a look a la $2.10 (Ladbrokes).
Top lock Brodie Retallick is also back for the huge forward battle.
New Zealand 13+
$2.75 (4 Units)
