Australia vs South Africa Prediction: Both teams have to hit the ground running

The 2024 Rugby Championship will kick off at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. In this opener, Australia Wallabies will play South Africa Springboks. As favorites, South Africa will have high hopes. Can the Wallabies, at home, prove themselves?

Australia

Australia continue their rebuilding process under Joe Schmidt, and in this Rugby Championship, this team will hope they are at their best. In last year's Rugby Championship tournament, this team finished bottom spot with just one point, scoring just 50 goals while conceding 115. 

While the Wallabies enter this game as underdogs, it is important to note that they are on a winning run of four games where they defeated Portugal in the World Cup, then Wales and Georgia in friendly encounters.

South Africa

The Springboks will enter this game with high hopes and focus as they will start this year's Rugby Championship as favorites. The previous year, the South African team finished second spot behind New Zealand with 9 points from three matches, scoring 85 goals and conceding 68. 

However, the World Champions have an incredible run of performances into this game as they lost just one match of their last eight, coming against Ireland in a friendly game. In that run, they also defeated Portugal, Ireland, Wales, and New Zealand among other encounter.

Expert Betting Tips

I trust South Africa to win this match, but I see Australia as a threat under Joe Schmidt. While Australia have a good record over the Springboks, their rebuilding under Schmidt have also shown signs of promises. South Africa are sure the better team, but in Brisbane, I expect the Wallabies to be at the top level, show character, and close the odds in what should be a dull opener.