Where you should put your money on the Rugby Championship this weekend, according to MARK KEOHANE.
Australia vs New Zealand
It doesn't get much bigger than this. The first Bledisloe Cup match should be a classic. The All Blacks are gunning for a world-record 18th consecutive win, while the Wallabies will be looking to build on the Waratahs' Super Rugby success. The last time an Australian side won the Super Rugby tournament, the Wallabies took home the Rugby Championship trophy.
The bookies don't seem to think that'll make any difference and have installed the All Blacks as odds-on favourites. I'm not so sure. They were troubled by the English in the June Tests, especially up front. If the Wallabies can match up physically in Sydney on Saturday, they have the game breakers in their backline to do damage. They're available at 16/10 with Betflash which looks good value to me.
I fancy the Wallabies to put one over their illustrious neighbours here, making the outright bet worth your while. For those brave enough, you can get 28/10 on a Australia half-time/full-time double (Australia to lead at half-time and win the match).
South Africa vs Argentina
The Pumas are on a hiding to nothing. They've yet to win a match in the Rugby Championship and despite their six weeks preparation, that is not about to change. The Springboks know that nothing short of a full haul of log points will suffice here, and have picked an attacking lineup in a bid to make sure that happens.
While I don't expect a repeat of last year's blowout, the Boks should have more than enough in their tanks to get past the Pumas here. I have them by 25 points, which is right on the edge of the handicap.
The bookies have given the Argentinians a 27-point head start, which should be a tough one for the Boks to overcome. I expect Heyneke Meyer's team to win comfortably, but I'm backing the Pumas to cover the 'cap (finish within 27 points) at 9/10.
Throw the two in a double for odds of 4/1, which looks a decent wager.
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
