The Rugby Championship kicks off with a heavyweight clash at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 16 August, as the top-ranked South Africa Springboks host an improving Australia side. The Boks have dominated this fixture on home soil, and the odds reflect their status as overwhelming favourites — but there’s still plenty of betting value to be found.
Form Guide & Recent Meetings
South Africa are riding a seven-Test winning streak, having scored 40+ points in each of their last four matches — a rare run that underlines their attacking confidence. They’ve beaten Australia in seven of their last eight home encounters, including a crushing 43-12 win the last time they met here. In Johannesburg specifically, the Boks have won their last seven against the Wallabies, with the only blemish a narrow defeat way back in 1963.
Australia arrive off the back of a competitive series against the British and Irish Lions, and coach Joe Schmidt’s men are showing signs of life after a dismal 2023 World Cup. The return of Will Skelton adds muscle to their pack, but history and current form suggest they’ll need something extraordinary to upset the odds.
Betting Angle
The Springboks’ power game and home dominance make the outright market one-sided, so the smart money is in the points and handicap markets. With South Africa scoring freely and Australia improving in attack, the Over 48.5 Total Match Points line offers value. For those expecting a one-sided affair, the Springboks -15.5 Handicap looks strong given their recent winning margins. If you’re after a try-scorer punt, Kurt-Lee Arendse has crossed in each of his last five Tests at home.
Key Kick-off Details
- Round 1: Saturday, 16 August – Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg (Kick-off 17:10 SA Time)
- Round 2: Saturday, 23 August – DHL Stadium, Cape Town