It is that time of the year as the northern and southern hemisphere countries do battle and we take a look at the three biggest Tests of the weekend.
New Zealand v France
It is fair to say that Les Bleus’ recent efforts in the June series have been pretty abysmal and it is difficult to see that changing against the best side in the world. While the All Blacks will be missing crucial cogs Brodie Retallick and Kieran Read, the only difference that should make is in the margin of victory for the hosts.
Steve Hansen’s men are noted for being slow starters but, more often than not, they emerge triumphant and do so comfortably. In fact, their last Test defeat during a mid-year series – with the exception of the Lions – came at home to France in 2009.
That may be cause for optimism for some French supporters but the bookmakers quite rightly feel Jacques Brunel’s men will be easily dispatched. They may have improved during the Six Nations – albeit in performance rather than results – but they are 25/1 with Spreadex to cause an upset.
New Zealand should therefore have no problems this weekend and that is reflected in the odds, with bet365 having them as short as 1/66 to claim the win. There is perhaps some money to be made on the handicap, however. For those who think it will be tighter than many think, France at 20 is 13/8 with BoyleSports, which is an excellent punt.
Australia v Ireland
Fresh from their first Grand Slam since 2009, Ireland will look to build on that superb campaign and finally win a tour in the southern hemisphere. The Emerald Isle have often been among the best in the Six Nations, but that has rarely transferred on the road in South Africa, Australia or New Zealand.
They did secure a series victory against the Wallabies back in 1979, winning 2-0, but only disappointment has followed since. However, Joe Schmidt’s men are well placed to end that barren spell, despite the absence of Rory Best, who was forced to pull out because of injury.
Schmidt has got them well drilled and confidence has never been higher in the country. As a result, Ladbrokes and William Hill have the Emerald Isle narrow 5/6 favourites to defeat Michael Cheika’s charges this weekend.
With Australia also struggling at home against the European countries over the past couple of years, it is a reasonable bet, but their franchises have shown signs of improvement in Super Rugby this season.
Cheika’s outfit should be far more competitive this season and, at 13/10 with Marathonbet, we think backing Australia is the more prudent option, particularly in regards to Ireland’s record in the southern hemisphere.
South Africa v England
This one is certainly the toughest to call with so many questions surrounding both countries leading into the series. South Africa will hope to be revitalised under the guidance of new head coach and director of rugby Rassie Erasmus, while England will be looking to banish memories of their awful Six Nations campaign.
It has been a concerning year so far for Eddie Jones and the team’s embarrassing defeat to the Barbarians only added to the pressure. With the Springboks in a rebuilding phase the Red Rose would ordinarily be favourites but, such is their poor form and lack of confidence, they are seen as slight outsiders at 6/4 with bet365.
Erasmus’ men struggled in his first game in charge, going down 22-20 to Wales in Washington, but at full strength he will fancy their chances of claiming a positive result this weekend. At 8/13, so do various bookmakers, who think the hosts will add to England’s frustrations.
Although the 2016 and ‘17 Six Nations winners are unbeaten on their past two tours to the southern hemisphere, overcoming Australia 3-0 and Argentina 2-0, the Red Rose will have to re-find their form if they are to continue that run.
The match should be close, however, with neither in a particularly good place at the moment and South Africa are 11/2 with Ladbrokes to overcome their opponents by 1-5 points.
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