Argentina v Australia predictions and rugby union tips: Visitors plan fast start

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Argentina v Australia in the Rugby Championship on Saturday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Action, 8.10pm Saturday

Best bet

Australia -2.5 first-half handicap
2pts 10-11 Betfair

Match preview

Michael Cheika’s Argentina reign got off to a winning start with victory over Scotland in July but his new charges face a step up in class in their Rugby Championship opener.

The Pumas edged the Scotland series 2-1 but the tourists were missing a number of key players and were put away by a last-gasp try in the decider.

Argentina had to come from behind in the last two Tests of that series and there’s enough quality in Australia's starting XV to suggest the visitors will go in ahead at the interval in Mendoza.

Cheika’s old charges are dealing with a few injury issues but have continued to make strides forward under the man who replaced Cheika, Dave Rennie, battling hard in a losing series effort against England.

Quade Cooper missed the England series but returns at fly-half on Saturday and his playmaking ability significantly improves the Wallabies’ chances of a fourth straight win in Argentina.

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