Best Bets for International Rugby

International rugby is back and there is a lot of value if you look for it, luckily we’ve got you covered. Our punter Neal Hoogwerf is back this weekend and has his eyes set on a full house. We preview New Zealand v Fiji, Wales v Argentina, Ireland v USA and England v USA.

The Best Boks and B & I Lions (So Far): Flanks, Flyers Shine

New Zealand vs Fiji

Saturday 10 July – 09:05

The All Blacks brushed aside a semi-professional Tongan outfit by 100 points but will face a sterner test when they host Fiji in Dunedin this weekend. Coach Ian Foster has opted to pick a more familiar side this weekend, with stalwarts Brodie Retallick and Beauden Barrett earning their first start since their Japanese sabbatical. Fiji will boast some European players but will be without Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova.

The All Blacks have won all 5 previous encounters with Fiji by an average margin of 63 points. Although I am not expecting an upset this weekend, I believe the Fijians will provide tougher competition than the handicap suggests. You only need to take a glance at Fiji’s recent record against Tier 1 opponents to suggest that they are steadily improving.

Wales v Argentina

Saturday 10 July – 14:00

A Welsh side missing their star players will square off against Argentina in Cardiff on Saturday. Wales had too much class for the Canadians last weekend, as they eased to a 68-12 victory. Argentina had to dig deep to scrape past Romania after a late Gonzalez try spared the South Americans blushes.

These teams rarely meet outside of World Cup tournaments which makes for a difficult predicament to foresee how the fixture will play out. Argentina are a side that love to rise to the occasion and will be eyeing out this fixture as an ideal opportunity to overcome the Six Nations winners. The handicap is bang on here and I will be looking for a margin victory for the Welsh.

England v Canada

Saturday 10 July – 16:00

England were far from their best as they conceded 26 second-half points against a spirited American team to ultimately win 43-29. Spearheaded by mercurial flyhalf Marcus Smith, England were able to produce periods of dazzling attack as they ran in 7 tries last weekend. Canada are not at the level of their American counterparts and were comprehensively outplayed in Wales last weekend.

England will be hoping that the minutes against the USA will have built up some match continuity and Eddie Jones will be eagerly anticipating a much-improved display from the Red Roses’ second-stringers. This is a big handicap but I expect England to turn it on in style this weekend.

Ireland vs USA

Saturday 10 July – 20:15

Ireland enters this fixture after overcoming a strong Japanese performance in Dublin last weekend. With a strong Leinster contingent in the Irish ranks, team chemistry has proven to be a determining factor in the final match result. USA rugby, spearheaded by Gary Gold in the coaching box, is firmly on the up with an encouraging display last weekend at Twickenham.

The USA delivered their ‘final’ last weekend and they will struggle to replicate the intensity this weekend. Ireland are beginning to hit their straps and have enough quality to put this USA outfit to the sword. I expect a brave opening 40 minutes from the Americans, but the Irish to turn the screws in the second half.