It’s a fresh slate for Australia and while it has been another four reasonably un-heralding years for the Wallabies, there does appear to be plenty of optimism around the camp.
The 2015 campaign began in similar circumstances and except for the final against the All Blacks, Australia really did have the measure of every other nation at the Rugby World Cup. They are fitting favourites to win this match and a good result is sure to fill their sails with win, ahead of a few far sterner tasks.
Fiji were brave at the 2015 World Cup but drew an impossible pool and exited the tournament early. Alongside Samoa, they are a standout in the Pacific Islands but are comfortably outclassed by the Wallabies.
There’s plenty of value to be found in tryscorer markets and I’m keen to have something on starting fullback Kurtley Beale.
The first serious contest at the 2019 Rugby World Cup looks like materialising when France play Argentina in Tokyo.
Both of these nations have live claims on winning and ultimately, the result of this match is likely to have a bearing on who progresses to the next stage of the Rugby World Cup. There is no doubt that Argentina have come on a lot since joining the Rugby Championship and that form took them to their best ever result at the World Cup in 2015; a credible fourth placing.
France were only fair in the recent Six Nations tournament and they will need to improve tenfold to make any impression at the Rugby World Cup.
It’s important to note that this is a (while exciting) young French team lining up opposite a very experienced, very knowledgeable Argentina. In my opinion, the four big Southern Hemisphere nations remain a class above the Six Nations’ sides, and I am happy to back Los Pumas as outsiders.
The Rugby World Cup is sure to hit fever pitch when the defending champions New Zealand begin their campaign against fellow tournament heavyweights the Springboks tonight. This rivalry certainly would not look out of place as a decider and we’re sure to be treated to an excellent contest.
South Africa were undefeated in the shortened Rugby Championship this year and importantly, went within a whisker of defeating New Zealand at Eden Park. A repeat of that performance on neutral ground could prove to be enough.
The All Blacks’ reputation speaks for itself and they are fitting World Cup favourites. I don’t think they’ll be completely wound up for this contest and the Springboks do loom as a danger for them, as they typically do.
I do think that if any nation is going to knock off New Zealand it’s South Africa, particularly at this point of the tournament, and for that reason I’ll be eager to have something small on the Springboks at around the $3 mark.