The biggest showpiece in rugby union is at lift-off with the 2023 Rugby World Cup kicking off with the Wallabies in action first up against Georgia at Stade de France in Paris early on Sunday morning (AEST).
Finding momentum within the tournament is everything to conquer the seven-game run needed to win the tournament. It’s not unlike a major tennis tournament where any slip can mean the end and upsets are always on the cards.
Jim Tucker is back with his preview for the Wallabies vs Georgia as well as other Rugby World Cup tips from around the grounds.
Australia vs Georgia Preview & Betting Tips
Stade de France, Paris, Sunday, Sept 10th, 2am (AEST)
Underway at last. Coach Eddie Jones has consistently said that the lead-up Tests for the Wallabies have all been about getting prepared for the real thing. You can’t bat away a 0-5 record like that but he’s right. He’ll only be marked on the World Cup. Anything less than a semi-final spot is a fail.
What do we make of Georgia? Rugby is a major sport in Georgia, they export props like Aussies ship prime cattle and half their players are with French clubs. They are definite improvers because the Lelos beat Italy and Japan last year. TAB.com.au have set the line at 21.5 points with the Wallabies paying $1.85 with -21.5 points. They have it pretty right.
Don’t read anything into Australia’s 27-8 win over Georgia at the 2019 tournament. Pre-typhoon rains hit Shizuoka that night and it was a messy wet evening.
The Georgians will be strong in the forwards but have also improved their counter-attack through sharp dashers like French-based fullback Davit Niniashvili.
Jones said at his pre-match press conference that this is a Wallabies team with multiple ways to score tries. Wingers Marika Koroibete and Mark Nawaqanitawase are definite strengths as rapid finishers. The Wallabies will back counter-attack too, they’ll explore cross-kicks and they’ll rumble big time in midfield through the fit-again centre Samu Kerevi.
One of the big demerits in the lead-up Tests was the ineffective nature of Australia’s rolling maul off attacking lineouts. They have either been holding something back or they really are way off in effective technique here.
There’s so much to answer in this first game from Australia’s youngest World Cup side in 20 years.
Ben Donaldson looked like a flyhalf playing out of position at fullback during his subdued time at No.15 for the NSW Waratahs this year when he didn’t exactly dash strongly into the backline. He’s trained extensively there, has good hands, a good boot and is valuable goalkicking back-up for Carter Gordon. It’s a sound call to get him playing so he is ready if needed later on.
Nawaqanitawase for an Anytime Try is worth a nibble or use the $1.60 as a multiplier on a multi. Equally, Jordan Petaia gives you a better return at $2.70 and he knows where the tryline is.
Jordan Petaia Anytime Try Scorer
$2.70
What else do we like in a huge first weekend at the Rugby World Cup?
Can't suggest Fiji to beat Wales enough at $2.75. The Fijians will love the 30-plus degree heat, the wilting Welsh not so.
Try this double for starters...Fiji win-Petaia Anytime Try at $7.43. Or extend to this multi...Fiji win-Petaia Anytime Try-Argentina win-South Africa win at $16.89 at TAB.com.au.
Other options that have popped up... Top Six Nations team/France at $2 and Top Pointscorer/Richie Mo'unga $3.75.
France v New Zealand - Saturday, Sept 9 Paris 5.15am (AEST)
The French at home in front of 80,000 fans. Allez Les Bleus. France to win - $1.80 at TAB.com.au
Argentina v England - Sunday, Sept 10 Marseille 5am (AEST)
Argentina –1.5pts - $2.05 at TAB.com.au
South Africa v Scotland - Monday, Sept 11 Marseille 1.45am (AEST)
Scotland +11.5pts - $1.90 at TAB.com.au
Fiji v Wales - Monday, Sept 11 Bordeaux 5am (AEST)
Fiji to win - $2.75 at TAB.com.au
