Nations Championship Best Bets - Round 3
- Best bets for the third round of Nations Championship matches in July
- Featured games include Australia vs Italy and South Africa vs Wales
- Preview, stats & head to head
-16076946.jpg/public)
Dylan Pietsch of Australia (Getty Images)
Australia vs Italy
Australia desperately need a win. Italy desperately need a win. In a clash in which two under-performing sides come together, securing a first win at the competition is crucial.
Australia would have taken more positives than negatives from their close-run 33-31 loss to Ireland in their opening match of the Nations Championship. While they did concede a late converted try to see their hopes of winning dashed, they were competitive across the match and had the better of the contest at different points. Against France, they dominated the first-half and led 21-12 at half-time. However, they were blown away in the second-half as France hit back and secured a 42-26 win thanks largely to 30-5 score in the second-half.
While France are one of the top sides in the world, this was a chance missed for the Aussies. Currently sat in fifth on the southern hemisphere ladder, the Aussies need a win. Facing trips to take on England, Wales and Scotland, the Aussies need to find a way to generate some momentum. Worrying for the home side is their pair of defeats to Italy in their last two. Both games have seen the winning margin sit at between 1-12 points, and I back the Aussies to come out on top in a tight game.
Italy were easily beaten by New Zealand in their last outing as they slumped to a 47-17 loss at the hands of one of the top sides in the game. Where they will be most disappointed will be their 27-10 loss to Japan. In a game they would have targeted as winnable, Italy stumbled. This has left the Italians at the foot of the northern hemisphere ladder in a position they will struggle to move away from.
While I back Italy to give Australia a good game, I do not see them dealing with Australia's powerful forwards and pacey backs.
South Africa vs Wales
South Africa are one of only three perfect sides left in the competition after two games, with only Ireland and New Zealand also able to pick up a brace of wins and two try scoring bonus points. Against England, the Springboks were rampant in the early-stages as they stormed into a 17-0 lead after 11 minutes. However, they did seem to take their foot off the accelerator at times, with a 45-21 win one that was built on early and late showings in the game. Against Scotland, South Africa had much more of a workout as they were kept honest throughout. While they did win 42-28, Scotland had their moments and kept coming at South Africa's defence. With trips to take on France, Ireland and Italy to come, the Springboks will fancy their chances of pausing before the November internationals with a full haul of 15 points.
Wales were outstanding in their opening match against Fiji as they secured all five points in a 39-24 win that saw them deal well with Fiji's attacking flair. They were then given a reality check by a strong Argentina side that denied them any points in a 35-21 defeat. While the Welsh had secured wins over Italy, the Barbarians and Fiji prior to their loss to the Pumas, their last game against the Springboks ended in a humiliating 73-0 loss. In that game, Wales failed to throw a single punch, and I predict more of the same in this one as the Welsh struggle to cope when undertaking the toughest test in rugby.
Verdict
I am backing Australia to squeeze to a much-needed win over Italy as South Africa hammer Wales.
Australia 1-12
Australia vs Italy Winning Margin
@11/5 - 1 Unit
Bet £5, Get £20 + 2 Odds Boosts
Promo Code: NEWBONUS
Bet £5+ to receive £20 in Free Bets + 2 Rocket Odds Boosts on your 1st deposit. New customers only. 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply. 18+. GambleAware.org
South Africa -42.5
South Africa vs Wales Handicap
@1/1 - 1 Unit
£30 Free Bet
Use promo code NEWBONUS
Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
18 July 2026
Load More
Nations Championship - Round 3
days
hours
min
