Australia v Argentina Rugby Championship tips & predictions

Australia v Argentina Round 3 best bets

Australia v Argentina Round 3 preview

Australia and Argentina meet in Round 3 of the 2025 Rugby Championship in Townsville on Saturday afternoon, with kickoff set for 2:30pm AEST.

The Wallabies return home as favourites with the top online bookmakers after a mixed South African tour, highlighted by a stirring comeback win at Ellis Park before falling narrowly in Cape Town.

Coach Joe Schmidt has recalled captain Harry Wilson from injury to anchor the back row, while 22-year-old Tom Lynagh is back at fly-half to steer the attack alongside veteran scrumhalf Nic White. Andrew Kellaway fills the vacant fullback role, with Tom Hooper shifting to lock and Rob Valetini moving to blindside flanker in a reshaped pack.

Argentina arrive in high spirits after making history in Buenos Aires, defeating the All Blacks 29-23 for their first-ever home win over New Zealand.

Felipe Contepomi has rewarded Santiago Carreras with the No.10 jersey, while Pablo Matera shifts to No.8 to accommodate Marcos Kremer’s return to the back row. Skipper Julián Montoya once again leads from the front, while Mateo Carreras and Juan Cruz Mallía provide finishing power out wide.

Recent history between these two sides has been unpredictable, with Argentina thumping the Wallabies 62-27 in Santa Fe last year before Australia edged a 20-19 thriller in Buenos Aires. Still, Australia’s home record is strong, with 16 wins from their last 19 Tests against the Pumas on home soil.

With these teams level on the Rugby Championship table after two rounds, Saturday’s clash is pivotal in the race for top spot. Expect a fast-paced, physical encounter in the Queensland heat, with the Wallabies’ returning stars tipped to make the difference.

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Australia v Argentina Round 3 team lineups

Australia starting XV

15 Andrew Kellaway
14 Max Jorgensen
13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
12 Len Ikitau
11 Corey Toole
10 Tom Lynagh
9 Nic White
8 Harry Wilson (C)
7 Fraser McReight
6 Rob Valetini
5 Tom Hooper
4 Nick Frost
3 Taniela Tupou
2 Billy Pollard
1 Tom Robertson

Bench: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu

Argentina starting XV

15 Juan Cruz Mallía
14 Bautista Delguy
13 Lucio Cinti
12 Santiago Chocobares
11 Mateo Carreras
10 Santiago Carreras
9 Gonzalo García
8 Pablo Matera
7 Juan Martín González
6 Marcos Kremer
5 Pedro Rubiolo
4 Franco Molina
3 Joel Sclavi
2 Julián Montoya (C)
1 Mayco Vivas

Bench: Ignacio Ruiz, Boris Wenger, Francisco Coria Marchetti, Guido Petti, Joaquín Oviedo, Agustín Moyano, Gerónimo Prisciantelli, Benjamín Elizalde

Australia v Argentina betting predictions

The Wallabies regain balance with Wilson and Lynagh back in the starting lineup, while Kellaway’s inclusion provides stability in the back three. Argentina will test them physically after conquering the All Blacks, but consistency remains their challenge away from home. Australia’s home advantage and forward strength should see them cover the -4.5 handicap at $1.91 with the top rugby union betting sites.

These two sides have a history of high-scoring battles, and with both boasting attacking weapons out wide, the over 50.5 total points at $1.90 with BetOnline looks a strong play.

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