Predictions: Rugby Championship and Premiership; Planet Rugby

It's the third round of the 2017 Rugby Championship on Saturday with New Zealand hosting Argentina before Australia take on South Africa.

 

The Springboks lead the way at the summit of the table on points difference from the All Blacks, as both sides recorded two opening wins.

 

They don't meet until next weekend in Albany but before that there's two key fixtures they need to win, one being trickier than the other.

 

So who do we think will come out on top this weekend? Find out below and also in our match previews where you can vote on the scorelines.

 

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New Zealand v Argentina

 

Preview: New Zealand will be keen to make a statement of intent when they face tournament strugglers Argentina in New Plymouth on Saturday.

 

Prediction: Although the All Blacks aren't at full strength, they should win this one easily. New Zealand to defeat Argentina by 25 points.

 

Australia v South Africa

 

Preview: The Wallabies play host to a resurgent Springbok XV at nib Stadium in Perth in Round Three of the Rugby Championship on Saturday.

 

Prediction: It should be a very tight encounter but after their improved Round Two performance, we just see Australia edging this by three.

 

We all know ABs should win handily, the Bok vs Wobblies is a tougher call. If Boks backs can play decent defense and the forwards are able to assert themselves the Boks will win. If so I am expecting some loud chest-beating and raucous crowing. Who knows perhaps that wee bloke called turncoat (affectionately I'm sure) will become a Boks supporter again.

I'm calling a marginal Bok win...I hope that little voice is true. Yes JW...this is no panic station for your AB's but maybe the Pumas can improve and keep only 10-15 points behind.

I'm calling a marginal Bok win...I hope that little voice is true. Yes JW...this is no panic station for your AB's but maybe the Pumas can improve and keep only 10-15 points behind.

 Please note the following iro the scenario as dealt with in News24:-:-
"Despite boasting an overall winning head-to-head record against the Wallabies, the Springboks will be wary in the knowledge that they have often struggled in Tests played in Australia.

In the 83 previous Tests between the nations, the Boks have won 46 compared to Australia’s 36, with one match drawn.

However, in the 37 Tests in Australia, the Boks have only beaten the Wallabies on 12 occasions compared to 24 defeats, including one draw - for a 32% win record.

In the eight Tests in Perth to date, the Boks have won three, lost four, with one drawn match in 2001 - for a 38% win record.

South Africa’s last visit to Perth ended in a 24-23 defeat in 2014, while the Boks’ last away win over the Wallabies."

One must never forget the poor performances of key players like  Morne Steyn and Fat Fransie to that poor record.   They are not there \anymore to bugger up games - so lets be hopeful it would be better this time around.   The low point in Perth was no doubt the 2014 test when Morne on his own engineered a loss for the Springboks.  

I think that there are weaknesses in the Springbok team and think a marginal win by the Aussies is to be expec ted. 

 The Roar prediction for the Boks vs. Wobblies are shown below:

Prediction
Really tough one to call. It’s crucial to win your home games and the Wallabies are already playing catch-up.

The supporters will be out to prove a point, but may turn on the locals if they start slowly. Perth always brings a strong African contingent too.

The visitors won’t afford any respite. The Springboks are in fine fettle, winning five from five this year, each by a minimum of 18 points.

Their blend of grit, physicality, and speed will be tough to match. Keep an eye out for the dynamic stylings of Siya Kolisi in the back row.

The Wallabies feel like they’ve steadied the ship somewhat with last week’s valiant defeat, but there’s also a risk that it knocked the wind out of them to fall at the final hurdle.

Cheika will be hell bent on getting back to winning ways.

Can the Wallabies string together a complete 80-minute performance? Gee, you’d hope so. Expect a fiery encounter, a bit of blood spilled and ? I hate to say it ? a probable Springbok victory.

Springboks by 8.

Yes Mike and Dr Win a real hard call as one can only speculate that the Boks are on the way up...results so far are however pleasing...it looks like EE is becoming a surprising good leader...it would however be useful to know (a fly on the wall in the Springbok camp so to speak) as to the feelings and spirit and confidence of the players...is AC 's role still bad or good...do the players really deep down respect him...we can only surmise they do.

The Lions (Ackerman) have had a huge impact on SA's turn around...my biggest sorrow is this should have been fulfilled COMPLETELY with JA staying on and elevated to the main boss in the coaching camp.Not only did he change the approach and style of the game but he proved to be a master leader which generated huge respect not only with himself but amongst the players themselves.

If the Boks are successful today, even by a whisker it will be great and this will compound confidence to take on the great AB's.