Jamie George, Gareth Davies and Garry Ringrose to star in Autumn Internationals, says Alex Payne
Saturday 12 November 2016 08:57, UK
Sky Sports presenter Alex Payne provides his predictions for Saturday's Autumn Internationals.
Alex has run his eye across Sky Bet's markets and has picked out plenty of selections from the try scorer and result markets, adding some interest for those fancying a wager.
Here's what he is expecting this weekend...
England v South Africa (Twickenham, 2.30pm, live on Sky Sports 1HD)
Live International Rugby Union
The history and form tell two very different stories coming into the first match of the Old Mutual Wealth series. England have not beaten the Boks in a decade (with 11 losses and a draw in that time) but have won their last ten internationals on the trot, nine of which coming under Eddie Jones, stretching back to the final game of the 2015 World Cup.
However, whilst the Boks have dominated this recent head-to-head, they have managed only one win in their last six, and were pretty lucky to scrape a draw against the make-shift Barbarians last weekend.
The problems for South Africa stretch far beyond those wearing the shirt and although they will be fired up, Jones should have his men too well prepared to be troubled. The head coach does have injury problems, but will expect those chosen to grab their chance. England to take it by more than 13 at 11/8 with Sky Bet.
Electric Englishman
England's wingers have scored 23 tries in their last 20 tests which gives you a pretty good shot at Jonny May or Marland Yarde (both 9/4). But I'm going for Elliot Daly; he has been chomping at the bit for this opportunity, I think his pace could cause huge problems in the 13 channel - he is 3/1 to score on his first start. For longer odds, consider Jamie George. England's replacement hooker is the top try scorer in the Premiership this season with five in eight - all of them have come in the second half, and I fancy him to score the last try at 20/1.
South Africa striker
The Boks have scored one try in their last three tests and looked very blunt last weekend against the Babaas. No visitors try is worth covering at 3/1 but their biggest threat is their power game - Willem Alberts brings plenty of that, and has scored three tries in four games against England. He is 9/1 anytime.
Wales v Argentina (Principality Stadium, 5.30pm)
Wales have won four of the last five between these two but come into the game off the back of a mauling against the Wallabies and a heavy three-test loss to the All Blacks in the summer. Argentina registered just the one win in the Rugby Championship, but did play some great rugby - most notably against New Zealand in Dunedin. Last week, they warmed up with an easy win over Japan.
Sam Warburton, Alun Wyn Jones and Liam Williams are back in red, but are short of game time of late. Although they will have Wales fired up, I think there is more woe to come. Argentina have squad depth and continuity in selection and I think they'll squeeze home by 1-5 at 5/1.
Welsh wonder
Gareth Davies has seven tries in 14 tests and always threatens the line. Given the nine shirt in the absence of Rhys Webb, he worth backing to grab a try.
Puma power
Facundo Isa has been superb for the Pumas this year, and has scored against Australia and New Zealand recently. My bold call for this weekend is for the No 8 to score the first try at 22/1 with Sky Bet.
Scotland v Australia (Murrayfield, 2.30pm)
There has been plenty of talk from Scotland about using the pain of last year's World Cup quarter-final loss as motivation this weekend. But the more significant talking point is the inexperience on either side of the front row - Allan Dell is making his debut, Zander Fagerson is winning his second cap.
The Wallabies had a big injection of confidence in Cardiff, and if they get the nudge up front, they should have too many options in attack at Murrayfield. The last four have been very close - two wins apiece settled by an average of less than three points - but with clear conditions forecast, I think Australia should ease home by 11-15 at 4-1.
Scottish scorcher
In a Lions season, these are the games to catch the eye. Stuart Hogg has made no secret of his desperation to be on the plane to New Zealand; he is probably the form No 15 at the moment and is worth backing as an anytime try scorer.
Awesome Australian
Will Genia has been standout performer for the Wallabies this season, and returns to the starting line-up this weekend after club commitments in France. The scrum-half is a good bet snipe in for a try.
Ireland v Canada (Aviva Stadium, 7.15pm, live on Sky Sports 3HD)
Live International Rugby Union
Joe Schmidt's Ireland are all change from the heroes of Chicago, but don't expect a drop off in performance. After their first win over the All Blacks, the Aviva will be absolutely bouncing and I expect the men in green to register a comfortable win. Canada are not a side ready to claim the scalp of a tier one team - their last win over a major nation came against Scotland in 2002. Ireland put 50 on them in the Rugby World Cup a year ago, and I expect them to break the half century again, beating Sky Bet's 38-point handicap at 10/11.
Irish inspiration
The time has finally come for Garry Ringrose to make his international debut. There has been a lot of hype around the young Irishman, and he is worth backing to fan those flames with a debut try.
Canadian candidate
DTH van der Merwe. Chances may be few and far between for Canada, but if they are on offer van der Merwe will snaffle them. Remarkably he's scored six tries in his last five tests (including one against Ireland last year) and is definitely worth a nod at a decent price.
