Predictions: Hutch's Rugby Championship Round 4 Picks

I managed two correct picks from two last week, both with Margin Points, but it still wasn’t enough for the Yellow Cap in our SuperHQ pool. That accolade went to Jack, who predicted both games exactly.

Should we expect anything different this week?

Here are my Rugby Championship predictions for Round 4.

Australia vs. Argentina

Australia only just snuck home last weekend with a try in added time, and a key difference this weekend is that they have a rookie at fly-half. The Pumas back row will be targeting him, and with the experience of that agonising defeat, they’ll be set on revenge. They turned over the All Blacks in the second of their two fixtures having lost the first, and I just have a feeling they’ll do the same in Sydney.

Prediction: Argentina by 2

New Zealand vs. South Africa

The Springboks have also changed their fly-half, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu starting instead of Handre Pollard, but I don’t think that strengthens their chances here. Their bench still looks understrength to make its usual impact, although the hosts are starting Damian McKenzie and may miss his impact later on.

The conditions in Wellington may favour the Boks, however, and if they don’t let the hosts build a lead this time, they could well sneak it. My instinct is that home advantage tips things in New Zealand’s favour again, but I’m predicting a tighter game than last week.

Prediction: New Zealand by 4

How do your picks compare?