Rugby Union
Nations Championship Predictions & Tips: Australia 12/5 to upset Scotland
William Hill News previews the fifth round of Nations Championship fixtures.
The penultimate set of fixtures before Finals Weekend take place this week, with all still to play for as placings in both hemispheres could still change drastically over the next two weeks.
There are some mouth-watering clashes to get stuck into in round five and we are on hand with predictions and tips for every match.
France v South Africa – Friday 13th November, 20:10
We kick off Friday evening with a blockbuster clash which has produced some memorable moments over the years. France host South Africa in front of what will be a packed-out Stade de France.
South Africa remain undefeated in the competition, while France’s only loss came against New Zealand in the opening week, by just a two-point margin. The French have made light work of every other opponent, but the Springboks present a whole new challenge.
At 3/10, the visitors don’t provide much value in the match result market, while the –9 handicap doesn’t look favourable for them. Stick with the home side to make the nine-point buffer count.
Prediction: France +9 Handicap Betting – 10/11
Italy v Argentina – Saturday 14th November, 11:40
The opening fixture on Saturday provides a rather different match-up between two teams who have just one win between them so far. Italy sit at the foot of the Southern Hemisphere table with zero points, while Argentina are fourth in their group with seven.
Italy are experiencing the perils of intercontinental rugby after a promising Six Nations campaign, and at 5/1 it doesn’t look as though things will get any easier for them this weekend. Argentina are the rightful 1/7 favourites, but the 14-point handicap margin might flatter them.
Prediction: Italy +14.5 Handicap Betting – 5/6
Wales v New Zealand – Saturday 14th November, 14:10
In what looks to be one of the more one-sided games of the week, Wales welcome New Zealand to the Principality Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Despite winning two from four, the hosts are rank outsiders here at 16/1, with the undefeated All Blacks 1/50 to make it five out of five.
New Zealand are one of the most formidable forces in world rugby at the moment and are showing no signs of slowing down. The home crowd won’t be expecting an upset, and they’re unlikely to get it.
Prediction: New Zealand To Win First Half By 15+ Points – 4/5
England v Japan – Saturday 14th November, 16:40
On paper, this is the most one-sided match of the round, with England 1/100 favourites as Japan take to Twickenham in Saturday’s late afternoon fixture. Steve Borthwick’s side scored a convincing 45-22 victory over Australia last week and look set to continue that momentum.
Japan’s only win so far came against Italy in the opening round, and their most recent defeat to Wales offers little hope of a positive result here. England could keep confidence high by putting some serious points on the board here.
Prediction: England To Win First Half By 15+ Points – 17/20
Ireland v Fiji – Saturday 14th November, 20:10
To round off Saturday’s action, Ireland are heavy favourites to defeat Fiji at the Aviva Stadium. Andy Farrell’s side bounced back from their defeat to New Zealand with an emphatic 42-12 win over Argentina, and they’ll be looking to build on that again here.
Fiji are the only Southern Hemisphere side without a win and as such are 12/1 outsiders for this game. Ireland put 30 points between themselves and Argentina last week and could do something similar here.
Prediction: Ireland -27 Handicap Betting – 10/11
Scotland v Australia – Sunday 15th November, 15:10
The only fixture on Sunday sees Australia head north to Murrayfield to take on a Scotland side still in contention to top their group, in what looks a fascinating clash.
The hosts are 3/10 favourites here, which doesn’t say much for how tightly contested this game could be. Australia are 12/5 underdogs following last week’s disappointing performance against England, but their performance against Ireland earlier in the tournament and thrashing of Fiji offer hope of a revival.
Prediction: Australia To Win – 12/5
*Prices accurate at the time of writing – odds subject to change*
