2022 Rugby Championship Tips - Title to go down to the wire

For many years the All Blacks have been the yardstick of international rugby but that has changed over the last couple of years. They have lost four of their last five matches, although remain favourites to win the Rugby Championship this year.

Despite losing 2-1 in June to Ireland at home, the bookies have shown faith in Ian Foster’s side by pricing them at 1.90 to retain the title they won last year.

Crucial to the All Blacks cause will be how they start the tournament given that the opening two weeks sees them play in South Africa. One would imagine they would need at least one victory from those two matches to remain favourites heading into the third week.

There will be confidence in the squad that they can beat Argentina and Australia but performances will have to improve from June. While they have lost four of their last five, three of those defeats were against Ireland and the other against France.

The Springboks will be looking to build on their performances against Wales in June. Despite winning the home series 2-1, there are still many questions around their performances and game plan.

South Africa will need to get off to a good start as they face New Zealand at home in the opening two weeks. Should they come out on top in both matches they will be on good footing for the title.

Thereafter the Springboks face Australia in Australia on two successive weekends. While the Wallabies have not had their best few years, South Africa have a poor record there. Last year Australia did the double on South Africa on home soil.

The world champions have been looking to build a strong squad as they look to defend their title at the World Cup next year. For them to be given a realistic chance, the Springboks will have to produce the goods consistently against the top sides.

The Wallabies are in a better place than they were 18 months ago. While they are struggling in some areas their performances have been far better. 

This was never clearer than when they did the double on the Springboks in the Rugby Championship last year.

The ability of Australia beat big teams has never been in question, but their inability to produce the goods consistently cost them. They begin with two tough fixtures in Argentina, and one would imagine two victories is the only thing that will keep them in the running for the title.

The Wallabies superb home record against South Africa will give them confidence before they need to overcome New Zealand in their final two matches.

Priced at 6.00 to win the title, Australia are clear outsiders. But a good start against Los Pumas will give them confidence to push on against the stronger two sides.

Los Pumas have become a powerhouse of world rugby over the last few years. They are not quite on the consistency level of the other three teams but when they do put it together on a day, they can beat anyone.

The only question over the Argentine side is their consistency. They have beaten all three of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in recent years but not regularly enough.

Backing Los Pumas to win the Rugby Championship is a stretch but if they can beat Australia in the opening two matches, who knows what could happen.