The Rugby Championship - Round 2

Rugby Championship – Round 2

The Rugby Championship is an International competition between Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, which are the top four Rugby Nations in the Southern Hemisphere. Inside the Rugby Championship, there are other trophies contested like the Bledisloe Cup (New Zealand vs Australia), The Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate (South Africa vs Australia), Freedom Cup (South Africa vs New Zealand), and the Puma Trophy (Australia vs Argentina).

Each year, each team will play each other twice, totaling of six games. The host nations alternate each year, so in 2022 Argentina host 2 games against Australia, South Africa host 2 games against New Zealand, Australia host 2 games against South Africa, and New Zealand host 2 games against Argentina. For the close nations, they host one game apiece, so Australia vs New Zealand and South Africa vs Argentina will be split.

This year it will be held from Sunday, August 7, 2022 – Sunday, September 25, 2022.

History of The Rugby Championship

The Rugby Championship began in 2012 following the expansion of the traditional Tri-Nations which consisted of Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Argentina entered the fray as a chance for Rugby to build on the worldwide growth of the sport. Since then, New Zealand has won seven of the nine years played (2020 was contested as a Tri-Nations with South Africa’s COVID situation) with Australia winning in 2015 and South Africa winning in 2019. Argentina has finished last in all but one year, that being 2015 when South Africa finished in last place.

Here are the defending champions of the other trophies:

Bledisloe Cup: New Zealand (Since 2002)

Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate: Australia (Since 2021)

Freedom Cup: New Zealand (Since 2009)

Puma Trophy: Australia (Since 2000)

Rugby Union Bets Overall (2022):

Units Used: 103.1
Units Back: 125.2
Overall Result: +22.1

The Rugby Championship – Round 2 Preview

South Africa vs New Zealand

Sunday 14th August 2022 @ 1:05am AEST – Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg, South Africa

I think the first test asked more questions than it answered with the Springboks winning by 16pts in a game that was very lopsided in some areas of the stats department. South Africa had a lot of issues defensively pegging down the All Blacks, missing 25 tackles which is immense for a test match and something that the Springboks will need to nail down. Luckily for them, the All Blacks were terrible with the ball in hand, conceding 17 turnovers with 10 of those lost in attack.

The Springboks dominated the breakdown which is something the All Blacks will have to work on if they are to be any chance in the second match. Discipline is something both teams must work on and pin down for this second match as both teams aren’t afraid to slot them over the posts from anywhere on the field.

I am expecting another tight game and we were unlucky not to nail our bet last week with a try in injury time. We are going to have the same bet for the same amount of units as I think it still remains close with the Springboks saluting.

Predictions:

Tip: South Africa ($1.45)

Line: South Africa -5.5 ($1.90)

Margin: South Africa 1-12 ($2.90)

*Prices via NSW TAB as of 11/08/22

Bet:

South Africa 1-12 | 1u @ $2.90

Argentina vs Australia

Sunday 14th July 2022 @ 5:10am AEST – Estadio Bicentenario, San Juan, Argentina

Another game that was well and truly dictated with the boot early, with Argentina slotting over penalties and leading early on in this contest. Things looked bleak for the Wallabies as they lost Quade Cooper to injury, but to their credit, they fought back hard, scoring five tries in the second half.

Turnovers plagued both teams and Argentina missed 18 tackles as they struggled to bring down the Wallabies. Discipline was horrible on both sides with a total of 30 penalties blown with 16 of those to the Wallabies and a yellow card to the Pumas. 18 points were scored off penalty goals and the Wallabies even got a penalty try. Despite winning the game, the Wallabies really need to improve in the breakdown, mainly with their ruck work, where the Pumas clearly had the advantage.

Much like the first game, I like a similar bet to last week and unbelievably, the bookies have offered a worse line. The Wallabies showed their skills once they knuckled down and proved way too good for the Pumas. I am expecting the same again scoreline wise but if the Wallabies aren’t careful, the Pumas could surprise. If they can keep their discipline in check, the Wallabies win by plenty.

Predictions:

Tip: Australia ($1.47)

Line: Australia -5.5 ($1.91)

Margin: Australia 13+ ($2.70)