Italy v Uruguay – 2021 Autumn Internationals Finale
Not a match that will have the average fan licking their lips in awe, but it may be an opportunity to boost the purse for later in the day when the heavies are in action and there are some better bets to get involved in.
I reluctantly leant towards the Azzuri last week and I regretted my decision within minutes of the start. Poor tackling, silly errors, and zero ideas summed up their performance.
To be fair, the Pumas shut the door early and the Italians were left to lick their wounds once more.
Uruguay have qualified for the World Cup in 2023 after a 1-1 series draw with the USA. Most recently they lost in Bucharest 29-14 against Romania.
Italy will be hoping for a win after 16 consecutive losses but I feel the South Americans won’t be embarrassed.
Summary
Not a game to get too involved in, but I do feel the team from Uruguay may be good enough to stay within the handicap.
Italy are awful but have played some top sides of late and therefore it’s only a small bet, 1.5 units, there was no betting at the time of posting but I’m hoping to take anything over 19.5 points.
Scotland v Japan – 2021 Autumn Internationals Finale
As was expected Scotland found the brute force of the Springboks too much to handle last week, despite putting up a spirited performance.
They’ll much prefer this week to sink their teeth into a Japanese side that has been disappointing so far. A huge loss to Ireland was followed by a lethargic win over Portugal and they’ll need to up the ante if they are to press the Scots.
To be fair to the visitors, they are missing key players on this tour. But, after hosting the last world cup in fine fashion, it comes as a bit of a shock to see them playing so badly.
Summary
I’m expecting Scotland will look to play another attacking game plan especially against a leaky Japanese side who themselves like a high-risk tempo game.
There is a chance of a few showers in the late morning, but these should have passed through by game time. The referee for the game is Brendan Pickerill – a renowned unders ref which could make the overs call a little tricky.
For now, though I am expecting a big push by the Japs and the plus 19.5 points at 5/6 makes most appeal for 3 Units.
England v South Africa – 2021 Autumn Internationals Finale
A fine performance in dispatching the Wallabies last week, England now face their toughest match of the series when they host a resurgent world champions side at Twickenham on Saturday.
The Springboks followed a jittery win over Wales with a more controlled win over Scotland.
With the B&I series and RC behind them one could feel sympathy for a tired Bok’s side, but I see a side enjoying their rugby and who will want to beat England to cap off a fine season.
Summary
I have been lining this game up for weeks and make the Springboks my best bet of the weekend.
With all the shenanigans behind Rassie Erasmus the last few months and with himself now being banned for 2 months it makes my call even more confident. The Boks will want to prove a point here and I just cannot have England in this match.
I could well end up with egg on my face and, even with the value now gone, am on the match winner market – South Africa 8/10 for 6 Units.
The weather is fine and Andrew Brace takes the whistle.
Wales v Australia – 2021 Autumn Internationals Finale
My next best bet of the weekend will take place in Cardiff.
Wales who were narrow losers against the Boks and fortunate winners against Fiji host a Wallabies side there for the taking. The current 6 Nations Champions, that in itself had its own story, were bludgeoned by NZ, were very good against South Africa, but again allowed Fiji to make more a game of it than they probably should have last week.
We also have to remember Fiji have historically been a tough ask for the Welsh, some sides have that nemesis, another one we’ll mention later on.
Summary
As I mentioned last week, the Wallabies should have beaten Scotland a fortnight ago but were outplayed by England subsequently.
With no Michael Hooper and their front row looking weakened I feel they are already thinking of the trip home and make Wales a good bet on the handicap minus 1.5 points at 15/20 for 4 Units.
France v New Zealand – 2021 Autumn Internationals Finale
The ever-improving French have a lovely opportunity to hand the All Blacks their second loss in successive weeks. With a solid coaching staff, the French are looking a well drilled and consistent side once again.
New Zealand, meanwhile, had no answers to Ireland’s “Blitzkrieg” in Dublin and there will be questions and uncertainty entering this game.
The weather forecast is good and Wayne Barnes is the referee.
Summary
I am aware of a number of colleagues who are expecting the All Blacks to lose two matches on the trot, and I must say I agree with them.
France have a solid defence and will look to apply pressure on NZ I suspect, much the same way Ireland did.
Yes, the All Blacks can score from anywhere on the park, but I feel this may well be a game too far for a side that could start the game a little low on confidence, once again a strange thought process but one I’m confident with.
France is the call and France plus 6.5 points at 15/20 for 4 Units.
Ireland v Argentina – 2021 Autumn Internationals Finale
The in-form Ireland face a potentially tricky assignment when they take on the Pumas on Sunday afternoon.
Argentina have in the past made Ireland work hard in their encounters and I think this match could follow the same pattern.
Ireland were immense last week, but I always wonder how easy it is to pick yourselves up after such a display.
And that’s where I feel the Pumas will stretch Ireland and could potentially cause a huge upset.
Matt Carley is the referee and the weather is good.
Summary
As alluded to, I like the Pumas here and will be having a decent 4 Units on plus 14.5 points at 15/20.
I’m going to allocate a half unit on the outright market, Argentina as well, i.e. match winner at 4/1.
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