Argentina vs Australia Predictions: Points is the play in Santa Fe

After a scrappy hard-fought Aussie victory last weekend, our rugby tipster Alec Cox is  expecting a more entertaining open spectacle in drier conditions in Santa Fe this weekend. Bring on the running rugby!

As always, we've asked Alex to give us his Argentina vs Australia Prediction and he's done just that...

After a scrappy hard-fought Aussie victory last weekend, I’m expecting a more entertaining open spectacle in drier conditions in Santa Fe this weekend. Bring on the running rugby!

The Aussies produced a resurgent performance in La Plata last weekend, with their late converted penalty giving them a much needed victory in the torrential rain. The Pumas will be disappointed with their performance as they were not at their best, however they get a chance to right their wrongs this weekend with another shot at the Wallabies in Santa Fe.

Contepomi’s side were not able to overcome the testing weather conditions and produced too many errors, but will be glad to see a brighter forecast ahead of the rematch this weekend.

Despite their attempts, the Wallabies were able to repel the Pumas attack, which was fairly predictable. It’s therefore no surprise that Albornoz has been given a start this weekend, as he is the more attacking option at fly-half and is a running threat himself. The Pumas seem to really struggle with the favourite tag over their heads and will be keen to get back on track with a win in this second home match of the Series.

The Wallabies certainly surprised me last week – mainly in their defence. They were far more combative and aggressive than I had seen from Schmidt’s opening few games, so clearly his influence is starting to seep through.

They were extremely patient with ball in hand too, reaching over 20 phases on a few occasions which may not have always produced points, certainly was an indication of how they want to play moving forwards. They did find a few moments of creativity and will be looking at finding that spark a little more often in better handling conditions this weekend.

Team News: 

Argentina

The Pumas side is similar to last week but with a few alterations. No change to the front-row though, meaning Gallo, Montoya and Sclavi will start. Molina drops to the bench this week, meaning it’s Lavanini and Rubiola in the second-row.

The back-row remains together from the outset – Matera, Kremer and Gonzalez. The pack didn’t impose themselves as much as I expected last week but I’m expecting a bounce back here.

Bertranou keeps his scrum-half jersey but Santiago Carreras drops to the bench to give Albornoz an opportunity. I’m a big fan of his – he plays on the front-foot and will give the Pumas some attacking fluidity.

The midfield duo will be Chocobares and Cinti once again, who are starting to build a strong partnership together. One change in the outside-backs this week, with Cordero dropping out and Delguy replacing him. Mateo Carreras will be on the other wing and Juan Cruz Mallia will be at full-back.

Australia

Joe Schmidt has been forced into a few changes but has chosen to largely field a similar side that produced the win last week. The front-row is the same again, with Bell, Faessler and Tupou combining.

Salakaia-Loto has been ruled out with an injury so Williams comes into the second-row alongside Frost instead. The back-row of Valentine, Tizzano and Wilson were excellent last week on both sides of the ball and it’s no surprise they’ve been selected again this week.

Gordon remains at Scrum-Half this week however it’s Donaldson that will be at fly-half instead. I had some concerns over Stewart in the midfield last week but he certainly stood up in tough conditions and he’s retained in the midfield alongside Ikitau, who also contributed with some positive carries in La Plata.

The unfortunate injury to full-back Wright means there’s a reshuffle in the back-three. Kellaway moves to full-back and Jorgensen comes onto the wing, with Koroibete remaining on the left-wing.

Argentina vs Australia Odds

Argentina are priced at 1/2 favourites to win this game, with Australia outsiders at 7/4. A draw can be backed at 18/1.

Over 48.5 points @ 10/11

We saw 39 points in this fixture last weekend in wet and windy conditions, but with a clear mild day in Sante Fe forecasted for this afternoon fixture, I believe we’ll see above 50 points in this sequel.

The Wallabies have shown they are trying to enhance their attacking patterns and build phases, whilst Albornoz will look to move the ball and keep the Australian defence guessing.

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