Anticipated Outcomes in the Rugby Championship - Round 2
Beyond the Line Collision between momentum and redemption awaits in the second round of the Rugby Championship on Saturday, says Quintin van Jaarsveld.
South Africa and Argentina will aim for back-to-back victories while Australia and New Zealand seek redemption after their disappointing home losses in the opening round. The action unfolds in Perth and Auckland as the Springboks face the Wallabies, and the All Blacks square off against the Pumas.
Buckle Up: Rugby Championship Betting
New Zealand v Argentina
Date: Saturday, August 10, 2023 - 9:05
Scott Robertson's initial sparkle may have worn off after a surprising 38-30 defeat to Argentina last week. Of course, the coach could do little more than witness his team stumble with mistake after mistake, opportunities that the Pumas seized brilliantly. The Kiwis also lacked physicality, allowing Argentina to dominate the gainline and rule the breakdown.
Though the All Blacks looked ordinary, Argentina deserves credit for their third-ever win against the mighty New Zealanders. They remained composed, showed creative attacking variation, intelligent play, and were intense and selfless in defense.
The Pumas have historically struggled to follow up one standout performance with another, making it Felipe Contepomi's task this week to ready his players mentally for a different challenge at Eden Park, a venue where the All Blacks haven't lost in 30 years.
The All Blacks' gearbox might still have issues, but with a renewed hunger and improved physicality, they should find their way back on track with a two-score victory.
Prediction: New Zealand by 14
Suggested Bet: Argentina +14.5 at 1.84
Australia v South Africa
The Boks will look to build on their impressive performance in their opening match. Completely dominating, the Springboks silenced their Brisbane hoodoo with a 33-7 victory, showcasing why they're title favorites.
Despite their dominance, the Boks weren't as clinical as they would've liked. They left points on the field, failed to score in the third quarter, and will need to work on their discipline, conceding three yellow cards in the final quarter.
With a series of changes to the starting XV, Rassie Erasmus will expect more structured play from his revamped team. Meanwhile, Joe Schmidt has to find answers to overcome the stylistic mismatch against the powerful Springboks. The Wallabies must add more sting to their attack and reduce penalties, having surrendered 15 in their opening loss.
Time is on the Wallabies' side, as the Springboks' bench strength provides an insurance policy against any faltering from the starting XV. However, the Springboks should claim their second victory Down Under.
Prediction: South Africa by 10
Suggested Bet: Australia +11.5 at 1.96
Quintin Van Jaarsveld is a multiple award-winning sports journalist, former MDDA-Sanlam SA Local Sports Journalist of the Year, and three-time Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year. With over 15 years of experience as a sports editor, staff writer, and outstanding journalist, he brings expert insight to Rugby Championship betting.
In the second round of the Rugby Championship, South Africa and Argentina will strive for consecutive victories, while Australia and New Zealand aim for redemption after home losses in the opening round.
For the match between New Zealand and Argentina, the All Blacks' performance was disappointing, with a lack of physicality and mistakes, but Argentina played brilliantly and deserves credit for their historic victory.
In the following game, Australia and South Africa will face each other, with the Springboks seeking another win after their impressive performance, but the Wallabies need to improve their attack and reduce penalties to challenge the favorites.
