Springboks should salvage some pride against All Blacks

South Africa v New Zealand
Sky Sports Action, 4.05pm Saturday
Last year's 57-15 defeat to the All Blacks on home soil was a record low for South Africa - which they quickly surpassed by losing 57-0 in New Zealand last month - but the Boks could put up more of a fight in this final-round clash.

It would be dangerous to rely on the All Blacks easing up with the title already in the bag, although Steve Hansen will be keen to manage the demands on his players after they played in Argentina last week, go to Brisbane later this month and then to the northern hemisphere for five matches in November.

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The Springboks will have been disappointed at failing to beat Australia last week as they had to settle for a second successive draw despite having the better of possession and territory.

Their set-piece was in good order so they should look to hold their own early, and if they can generate some quick ball, the dangerous Jesse Kriel and the rest of their physical backline can look to make some inroads.

What made last year's humiliation in Durban all the more startling was that previous clashes in South Africa had almost always been close-fought affairs and the Boks should bring more intensity to this showdown.

Recommendation
South Africa +16
1pt Evs BoyleSports

Argentina v Australia
Sky Sports Action, 11.40pm Saturday
Argentina have managed to record at least one Rugby Championship win in each of the last three seasons but they are seven-point underdogs for the final fixture against Australia.

Last week's 27-27 draw in South Africa and the subsequent travel demands will have taken its toll on the Wallaby players, but their toe-to-toe efforts against the Boks as well as their away performance against the All Blacks, in which they led 17-0 early on and were ahead with three minutes to go, have been impressive.

As long as the Aussies can avoid getting sucked into a forwards battle, they have the firepower out wide to make this a comfortable win.

Recommendation
Australia to win by 11 to 20 points
1pt 100-30 Ladbrokes

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