Round 4 of the Rugby Championship serves up two mouth-watering clashes this weekend. In Sydney, Australia and Argentina go head-to-head once again after last week’s dramatic finish in Townsville, while in Wellington, the All Blacks and Springboks renew their fierce rivalry in a game that could shape the outcome of the tournament. Get the best bets and predictions for both of these encounters.
ALSO READ: Junior Boks Crowned U20 World Champions After Historic Win Over New Zealand.
Australia vs Argentina
Australia narrowly edged Argentina 28-24 in Townsville last week in a dramatic finish, thanks to a stoppage-time try from Angus Bell. Despite that win, the Wallabies showed signs of vulnerability, handling errors, defensive lapses, and discipline issues (they conceded many penalties) that threatened to undo them.
Meanwhile, Argentina made some strong tactical shifts: they’ve changed up back-row personnel, wing position and bench options ahead of this contest in Sydney. Los Pumas are coming in with renewed urgency, keen to reverse the momentum and avoid letting slip another match they dominated for long stretches. For Australia, changes in fly-half and missing key players due to injury will test squad depth, but home conditions and crowd support give them a boost.
Prediction: Australia to win at 1.58.
Best Bets: Australia -5.5 at 1.85.
New Zealand vs South Africa
New Zealand currently hold the edge after a tight 24-17 victory over the Springboks at Eden Park. The All Blacks have shown defensive discipline, especially early in games, and in their home Tests, they’ve been particularly strong, averaging low points conceded against South Africa in recent years.
The Springboks, however, are under pressure to convert more chances this time around: last meeting they created plenty of opportunities inside New Zealand’s 22 but couldn’t finish with enough impact. Errors, missed conversions, and set-piece inconsistencies cost them dearly. Having made some backline changes and with a sharper attacking strategy, South Africa will look to tighten up and contend with the physical and tactical challenge that New Zealand poses at home.
Prediction: New Zealand to win at 1.56.
Best Bet: New Zealand -3.5 at 1.83.
