by SuperSportBet
The Springboks, All Blacks and Argentina should begin the southern-hemisphere Test season on a positive note this Saturday, while the British & Irish Lions will be too strong for the Waratahs.
The All Blacks will battle a French side devoid of its stars this Saturday in the first of three Test matches in New Zealand. The Boks kick off their Test campaign against a weakened Italy outfit in Pretoria, while Argentina host an England team missing several big names that are on Lions duty.
Having dispatched of the Western Force and Reds, the Lions will target another another big victory when they head to Sydney to tackle the Waratahs.
France have travelled to New Zealand without a host of star players, due to the fact that the Top 14 only concluded last week as well as the union’s controversial rest policy. The decision has caused a stir in New Zealand, and there are fears that the three-match series won’t be as competitive as hoped. Those fears are reflected in the betting markets, with France listed as 12.00 underdogs ahead of the first Test in Dunedin. While it’s the All Blacks’ first Test in seven months, and they are traditionally slow starters, Scott Robertson’s team may well beat the French by more than 22 points (1.90).
Having thrashed the Force 54-7 and the Reds 52-12, the Lions are well placed to put a big score on a Waratahs team that failed to qualify for the recent Super Rugby playoffs. The hosts start at 26.00 outsiders, and have been given a 39-point handicap (1.95). As the previous two scorelines suggest, that handicap may not be big enough.
Italy have come a long way since they last toured South Africa in 2013, and are no longer easy beats at tournaments like the Six Nations and World Cup. That said, coach Gonzalo Quesada has opted to rest a group of key players for the current tour to the Republic, and this may impact on the Azzurri’s ability to compete – especially on the highveld. Rassie Erasmus has made changes after the 54-7 win against the Barbarians, but the Boks should win this match by a substantial margin. Italy will do well to finish within the +40 handicap (1.95) – and this statement is based on the Boks’ miserly defence as much as their prolific attack. The tourists may prove especially susceptible in the second half, when altitude takes effect – while the Bok Bomb Squad should boost the home team in the closing stages.
Argentina recorded big wins against the All Blacks and Wallabies last season, and began their 2025 campaign with a victory against the Lions in Dublin last month. Felipe Contepomi’s charges should be licking their lips at the prospect of a two-Test series against England in Argentina in July. England, of course, will be without most of their star players, who are on duty with the Lions in Australia. All that said, England are 3.50 underdogs, and have been given a modest +8 handicap (2.00). If the Pumas get it right, they will win by more than 10.
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