Predictions: Hutch's Rugby Championship Round 3 Picks
The Rugby Championship returns this weekend with a blockbuster fixture, and the competition is well-poised with all teams having won one and lost one so far.
The hosts have shown a strong upward trajectory over the last few months, and I think home advantage tilts the balance in Australia’s favour for me.
Prediction: Australia by 4
Both starting teams look full-strength apart from one or two injuries apiece, and there is very little between them on paper. However, the Springboks haven’t been terribly convincing in this tournament so far, and to me their bench looks slightly lightweight again to be called a bomb squad. In contrast, New Zealand can call on Damian McKenzie to potentially change the game, along with Samisoni Taukei’aho and Tamaiti Williams to bolster the front row.
It’s a tight call, but I’m not confident enough to predict the end of the Eden Park stronghold.
Prediction: New Zealand by 4
How do your picks compare?
Australia vs. Argentina
The Wallabies will take confidence from their performances against the Springboks, and are boosted by the return of Harry Wilson, and I do like the look of their lineup now. The Pumas will be riding high too though after defeating the All Blacks last weekend, and they’ll relish the underdog tag for this one again.The hosts have shown a strong upward trajectory over the last few months, and I think home advantage tilts the balance in Australia’s favour for me.
Prediction: Australia by 4
New Zealand vs. South Africa
What a prospect this is at Eden Park, where the All Blacks haven’t lost since the 1990s and where the Springboks haven’t won since the 1930s! No doubt Rassie Erasmus and South Africa will be looking to make history here.Both starting teams look full-strength apart from one or two injuries apiece, and there is very little between them on paper. However, the Springboks haven’t been terribly convincing in this tournament so far, and to me their bench looks slightly lightweight again to be called a bomb squad. In contrast, New Zealand can call on Damian McKenzie to potentially change the game, along with Samisoni Taukei’aho and Tamaiti Williams to bolster the front row.
It’s a tight call, but I’m not confident enough to predict the end of the Eden Park stronghold.
Prediction: New Zealand by 4
How do your picks compare?
Superbru on X
This isn’t just a match, it’s a statement. The kind of rugby that defines legacies.
That said I am going for the draw.
New Zeland by 13 Points against The Republic of South Africa (The Springboks)
Have an awesome weekend everyone!!!