2020 Tri Nations Series Rugby Predictions: Argentina to Follow New Zealand Shocker with Australia Upset

One week after notching their first-ever win over New Zealand, Argentina are back as underdogs for their Week 4 clash against Australia in the 2020 Tri Nations Series.

The Southern Hemisphere’s elite international tournament was blown wide open after Los Pumas beat the All Blacks for the first time after 30 attempts last Saturday (November 14). Fly-half Nicolas Sanchez scored all of Argentina’s points as they emerged 25-15 victors in Sydney some 35 years after their first clash with rugby’s most decorated international team:

Tri Nations 2020 | New Zealand v Argentina – Rd 3 Highlights

A passionate Argentina outfit has orchestrated one of rugby’s biggest-ever boilovers, @lospumas beating the New Zealand @AllBlacks for the first time in their history.#TriNations2020 #NZLvARG pic.twitter.com/T2AxRbCmn8

— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) November 14, 2020

Despite their historic success, Argentina aren’t predicted to maintain their 100% start against hosts Australia and enter Week 4 at +180 moneyline odds with Pointsbet NJ. The Wallabies sit at the bottom of the standings but are tipped to get back to winning ways after a fortnight out of action, listed as -200 favorites after they edged a mostly second-string New Zealand in Week 2.

Argentina vs. Australia Game Info

• Date: Saturday, November 21
• Time: 3:45 a.m. ET/7:45 p.m. AEDT
• Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, Australia
• TV Info: ESPN+

Aside from Sanchez, the Argentina coaching staff also had a major hand in paving the way to victory over New Zealand. Former Australia coach Michael Cheika now sits among that number after joining the squad in an advisor role, and his insight is sure to be particularly helpful coming up against his old team.

While Sanchez was recently in scintillating form for Argentina, Australia’s first choice at No. 10, James O’Connor, is highly unlikely to feature following a fresh foot injury, per Stuff.co.nz. Reece Hodge deputised at fly-half when the team beat New Zealand 24-22 earlier in November, and it’s likely the Melbourne Rebel will be back in the jersey when they look to tame Los Pumas:

The South American contenders have defeated Australia six times in 32 previous encounters, the most recent of which came on the Gold Coast in September 2018. 

Argentina didn’t suffer from stage fright after a playing absence lasting more than 400 days last time out. Mario Ledesma’s men will be focused on proving that result was no anomaly in their bid for a first title in the Southern Hemisphere tournament, with their tactics proving key to success over New Zealand.

Not only do Argentina look like great value to win at +180, but Pointsbet customers in New Jersey can jump on +300 odds that Argentina will be leading at the interval and full time. Alternatively, a price of +800 for Argentina to be trailing at half-time but come back to win could pay dividends, with their last three wins over the Wallabies coming by a margin on four points or fewer.

Australia vs. Argentina Moneyline Odds & Prediction: Argentina to win by 5

Australia: -200

Draw: +2500

Argentina: +180

Odds via Pointsbet NJ.