Australia v South Africa Rugby Betting: Will the Wallabies roar back to winning ways this weekend?

Australia plays South Africa on Saturday at the Adelaide Oval as the Aussies aim to roar back to winning ways following a shock defeat in their last outing.

The big games just keep on coming for followers of international rugby union this month, and we have another action-packed, high-energy round of fixtures from the Rugby Championship on Saturday. In the other fixture this weekend, we have an exciting New Zealand vs. Argentina matchup to look forward to.

Will Australia rise to the occasion after a humbling loss to Argentina, or will South Africa pull another huge performance out of the bag?

Australia vs. South Africa Odds Matchup Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• South Africa was last seen in action almost a fortnight ago when they lost 35-23 to New Zealand in Johannesburg.
• Australia’s most recent game saw them play Argentina, and it ended in disaster, with the Aussies suffering a 48-17 thrashing.
• Venue & Location: Adelaide Oval (Adelaide, Australia)
• Kick-Off Time: 1:30 a.m. Eastern Time

Australia vs. South Africa Betting Odds

Odds are from BetOnline.

Moneyline

• Australia to win +200
• Draw +1800
• South Africa to win -210

Over/Under

• Over 49.5 (-102)
• Under 49.5 (-114)

Spread

• Australia +5.5 (-110)
• South Africa -5.5 (-110)

Will the Aussie fightback start in Adelaide?

Australia has blown hot and cold recently, but what good team doesn’t on occasion? It’s how they respond that matters.

The pressure is on this Wallabies side as – despite having a star-studded squad filled with household names – they haven’t been anywhere near their best in recent times, as you will see from the list of recent results posted below. Australia is good enough to crush any opponent on their day, but their day doesn’t come around almost as often as fans would like.

Following a painful loss in their last outing a week ago, Australia knows they are under increasing pressure from their supporters, the media, pundits and past players to make a quick return to winning ways.

Anything less than a convincing win would heap more pressure on the coaching staff and at a time when they are trying to turn things around.

Last five results for Australia

• Lost 17-48
• Won 41-26
• Lost 17-21
• Lost 17-25
• Won 30-28

Visiting Springboks start as the favourites

South Africa make their way to the Adelaide Oval, knowing they are up against a bear with a sore head. An opponent that was embarrassed in their last outing and will now be looking to show they are over it and back on track. But South Africa will also be aware that they are the hot favourites in the betting, with all top bookies backing them for victory.

The market comes down hard in support of SA due to their strong recent form and the poor showing from Australia last time. South Africa may have an uphill struggle ahead of them on Saturday morning, but the match comes at the right time for them, on the back of a strong win and with team morale at an all-time high.

Being the away team isn’t an advantage, but it could be in this situation for South Africa as there is already a degree of unrest amongst the locals. If they can keep their opponents quiet, it will upset those in the stands who will become nervous, and that will pour from the stands down to the pitch and impact the home players.

Last five results for South Africa

• Lost 23-35
• Won 26-10
• Won 30-14
• Lost 12-13
• Won 32-29

Battle-hardened visitors look to bounce back

South Africa was beaten 35-23 by the All Blacks last time, but the bare result doesn’t tell the true story of a competitive match.

The game was close in the opening 40 minutes with little between the sides at the break, but credit where it’s due, New Zealand went through the gears in the second half and won at a canter.

There is no shame in losing to the All Blacks, especially after putting up such a strong showing, and the South African players will now appreciate that. The visitors will take more from an epic battle they had with Wales recently, and that encounter left the Springboks battle-hardened and ready for war.

The away team are fit, sharp and ready to go to war over the win. They are the betting favourites, and those confident about an away win can get good value by backing them on the handicap. But is that the direction we are leaning?

Wallabies primed to handle the pressure on home soil

When a team is stuck on a poor run of form as Australia – losing three of their last four, including against arch-rivals England – the best way to recover usually comes from playing at home.

Cheered on by a loyal support and encouraged by the familiarity of the occasion is not always a recipe for a timely return to winning ways. But it often is, and it will be for the Wallabies in Adelaide.

That loss last time out came against Argentina against all the odds and the expectations of many pundits. Argentina were the underdogs but didn’t let that stop them cruising to a 48-17 victory, leaving their opponents shellshocked and wondering what had just happened. Australia must dust themselves down and come again, but we expect them to do just that.

Australia vs. South Africa Prediction: Australia to win

Australia vs. South Africa Betting Tip: Australia +5.5 (-110 at BetOnline)