Autumn Nations Cup | Week 4
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: 15:10 PM
Date: Saturday 30th November 2024
150th Anniversary? Joe couldn’t give a Schmidt!
Preview
The Aviva Stadium hosts a blockbuster this Saturday as Ireland take on Australia in a fixture loaded with drama and history. The stage is set in Dublin to provide a thrilling conclusion to this year’s Autumn Nations Series. With Joe Schmidt now coaching the Wallabies, expect some tactical fireworks against his former protégé, Andy Farrell.
It’s Irish Rugby’s 150th rugby anniversary, will Ireland celebrate in style or will the Wallabies crash the party? Let’s break it down.
The Form
Ireland haven’t exactly been firing on all cylinders this autumn. They stumbled past Argentina and got humbled by the All Blacks, but they did cruise past Fiji last weekend in some style, giving them great momentum ahead of the weekend. Meanwhile, Australia are still a mystery box. A stunner against England, a demolishing of Wales, and then an absolute flop against Scotland. Classic Wallabies, eh? Who knows what to expect this weekend.
Key Match-ups
- Sam Prendergast (IRE) vs. Noah Lolesio (AUS): Two young 10s with everything to prove. Prendergast is calm under pressure, but Lolesio has that X-factor.
- Forwards Battle: Ireland’s pack, led by Caelan Doris, is all about efficiency, but the Wallabies’ Rob Valetini and Taniela Tupou bring serious power and muscle.
Head-to-Head
Ireland squeezed past the Aussies 13-10 in 2022, but it’s the Wallabies who lead the head-to-head with 22 wins to Ireland’s 14. Australia haven’t won on Irish soil since 2013, so will be eager to write this wrong come Saturday afternoon.
The Odds
- Ireland: Heavy favourites at 2/13, thanks to their home form and depth.
- Australia: Tasty at 11/2 if you think Schmidt’s Wallabies can deliver.
Our Picks
- Handicap: Australia +13.5 – Evens
- Anytime Try Scorer: Taniela Tupou – 8/1
- Total Points: Between 49.5 And 54.5 – 6/1
Final Call
Ireland should edge this, but not by much. If you’re feeling brave, back the Wallabies to spoil the celebrations – Schmidt knows this Irish side inside out.
Ireland are clear favourites, with odds reflecting their strength at home, but Australia’s potential to disrupt with a dynamic game plan makes this an intriguing matchup. Ireland will be looking to win the game upfront and keep things tight, but If Australia can get their hands on the ball and play, we can expect to see some expansive flair from the men in Gold.
Expect a close, physical battle with small moments of magic deciding the game.
Prediction: Ireland to edge it by less than 10 points.