"Springboks are Favourites" - Latest Odds for South Africa vs Australia - Rugby Championship

This Rugby Championship looks set to be an exhilarating and open competition. With every side able to rise to the occasion, every point carries weight and could shape the outcome. On Saturday, both teams will leave it all out on the pitch. There are many interesting betting options to explore for the contest.

You can’t get much better than South Africa when considering top rugby sides. The Rassie Erasmus-led team will be one of the best sides to compete. They enter the competition with wins against the Barbarians, Italy and Georgia—they are a side that knows how to perform on the grandest of stages. The last Rugby Championship told the story of South African dominance, with South Africa dismantling Australia 33–7 and 30–12.

Four straight wins over Australia already underline South Africa’s dominance. A fifth win would underline the depth of their dominance. The Springboks are rich in talent and depth. With players like Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth and Ox Nche in the forward pack, and the likes of Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel and Grant Williams in the backline, the team is balanced with both power and flair. South Africa will look to get their campaign off to a dominant start.

It has been a massive couple of months for Joe Schmidt’s side. They went toe to toe with a star-studded British & Irish Lions squad. You can see Australia’s heart and passion in every tackle and carry. A team that has been written off, but shouldn’t be dismissed. Over the Lions series, the team showed they could compete. Give the Wallabies possession, and danger follows; they can conjure tries out of thin air.

A squad with tremendous talent within their ranks, Schmidt’s side can cause trouble for South Africa. Up front, competitors like Will Skelton, Taniela Tupou and Harry Wilson will look to get their team on the front foot. The backline’s talents, such as Nic White, Tom Wright and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, can create real headaches for the opposing defence.

Back in the No.10 jersey, James O’Connor takes the reins, replacing Tom Lynagh after a concussion setback. O’Connor has played a part in a title-winning campaign with the Crusaders and will take the field for his nation again. Australia will be hunting for a major upset to kick off their campaign.

From a betting perspective, there are a few bets to look at. The best bet is for South Africa to win by more than 18 points. At home, beating South Africa can be a challenging task, and we could expect a one-sided scoreline. Yet, there may be value in backing Australia to stay within 11 points.

Even though the side is struggling, they have shown a remarkable ability to get results. A longshot bet is for the Springboks to win by more than 30 points. They possess the talent and power to run away with the contest.

The Springboks may carry the weight of expectation, yet Australia’s belief burns bright—capable of turning the script upside down.

Best bet: South Africa to win by more than 18 points- 10/11

Value bet: Australia to stay within 11 points- 2/1

Longshot bet: South Africa to win by more than 30 points- 7/2