Ireland Clash Against Australia: Analysis and Prognostication

Rewritten Article:

Rowdy showdown awaits in Dublin as Ireland and Australia lock horns in the final Test of the year on Saturday at 17:10 SA time, according to Quintin van Jaarsveld's take.

The Irish boasted a formidable start to the year, bagging the Six Nations trophy, before facing a draw against South Africa's back-to-back world champions. They've secured two wins out of their three end-of-year games, making their 2024 record a robust 7 wins against 3 losses. Their defeats came against England (23-22), South Africa (27-20), and New Zealand (23-13).

However, since their surprise Autumn Nations Series-opening defeat to the All Blacks, which cost them the world No. 1 ranking, they've garnered consecutive wins over Argentina (22-19) and Fiji (52-17). Nevertheless, they haven't quite recaptured the glory that led them to Six Nations victory.

The contemporary Irish side fancies themselves as intellectual giants but has tried to be overly smart in the Autumn Nations Series. They've overemphasized finesse and intricacy, neglecting the importance of physicality.

Only since their 25-24 win against the Springboks in Durban in July have they shown true grit. This aggressive approach would be advantageous this weekend, given Scotland's rugged overpowering of the Wallabies in their last encounter.

Joe Schmidt's first season as coach of Australia has been a struggle. They sit 4-6 and were dead last in the Rugby Championship. But they've made strides in the Autumn Nations Series, pulling off their best performance of the season to beat England (42-37) and following it up with a 52-20 drubbing of Wales.

Alas, their dream of a Grand Slam was shattered at Murrayfield, as Scotland thrashed them (27-13). Despite their notable performances against England and Wales, they showed none of that attacking flair against the Scots. Worse still, their defensive errors resurfaced, with more than 30 missed tackles.

While they suffered setbacks during preparation week, their spirits should've remained high. The big question now is whether they'll muster the same energy for the final match, given their shattered Grand Slam hopes.

This dead rubber match holds some weight in another sense, impacting interest in the British & Irish Lions' tour next year. The sport needs a competitive Wallabies performance on Saturday, but Scotland's dominant display against the Aussies suggests they still have room for improvement.

In light of these insights, Ireland appears well-positioned for a convincing victory.

*Prediction:* Ireland by 15.

*Suggested Bet:* Australia +16.5 at 1.83.

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NextAustraliabetting tipsEditor's ChoiceIrelandWalesQuintin van JaarsveldQuintin Van Jaarsveld is a former MDDA-Sanlam SA Local Sports Journalist of the Year and a former three-time Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year. Formally the sports editor and Outstanding Journalist of the Year award winner at The Fever Media Group, deputy editor at eHowzit, editor at SARugby.com, and senior staff writer at Rugby365.com, he boasts over 15 years' experience and is currently a freelance sports writer.

Quintin Van Jaarsveld's prediction for the upcoming rugby match between Ireland and Australia in 2024 is that Ireland will win by 15, based on their recent form and performances.
Given Ireland's strong 2024 record of 7 wins against 3 losses, and their improved physicality shown in their recent matches, they may have a convincing victory over Australia.
Australia, coached by Joe Schmidt, has struggled this season, with a 4-6 record in the Rugby Championship and a shattered Grand Slam dream after their defeat to Scotland.
However, Australia has shown improvement in the Autumn Nations Series, beating England (42-37) and Wales (52-20). Their best performance of the season came against England, but they failed to show the same attacking flair against Scotland.
With the British & Irish Lions' tour next year on the line, a competitive Wallabies performance against Ireland on Saturday would be beneficial for the interest in the tour.
Despite Ireland's promising prospects, the sports needs a competitive Wallabies performance, as Scotland's dominant display against Australia suggests they still have room for improvement.