23 Sep 2023 / admin

Wales vs Australia Prediction and Betting Tips

🏈 Rugby World Cup 2023 Match Preview

⏰ 24 September 2023 - 20:00 GMT +1

⏰ 25 September 2023 - 05:00 AEST

🏟 Stadium - Parc Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon)

We're only on week 3 of the Rugby World Cup but this Pool C clash between Wales and the Wallabies already has a 'make or break' feel about it.

The Aussies will be sweating if they lose this one - it could mean failing to make it out of their group for the first time ever. Meanwhile for Wales, a win guarantees them a spot in the final eight. After being written off coming into the tourney, that would be a bloody good effort.

There's also the chance that the Wallabies notch their 32nd win over Wales in the 46 times they've met. That could leave Wales' fate out of their own hands depending on bonus points. Lots on the line here.

It's fitting that two of rugby's biggest coaching names are going head to head. Eddie Jones hasn't had the best run with the Wallabies but headed into this match saying he's got "no doubt we'll win on Sunday". No shortage of belief there.

Wales coach Warren Gatland is "happy" with his team's 10 points from two wins. He knows the Aussies will be pumped up to prove a point. Should be a cracking contest between two fierce rivals.

Gatland has named the same XV that beat Fiji in their opener. After rotating the squad last week, it's his first choice team on deck.

Jones has made three changes to the side that lost to Fiji. Tom Hooper shifts to openside flanker and Ben Donaldson comes in at 10. More discipline will be key after giving away 18 penalties last game. This will be the fifth neutral venue clash between these nations. With the head-to-head at 2 wins each away from home, this match is there for the taking!

📋 Players to watch:

Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit has started both wins and wants to grab a third straight try.
Wallabies flyer Mark Nawaqanitawase also has two tries and is chasing a third.

⚡ Match Facts:

Wales have won 10 points from 2 wins and are chasing a quarterfinal spot.
Australia could fail to make the knockouts for the first time with a loss.
Nine of the last 12 games between them have been decided by 5 points or fewer.
Wales coach Gatland has named an unchanged XV from their opening win.
Australia coach Jones has made 3 changes, including Donaldson starting at flyhalf.
Discipline will be crucial - Australia gave away 18 penalties last match.
Wallabies winger Nawaqanitawase has scored 2 tries and wants a third.
Wales winger Rees-Zammit also has 2 tries and is chasing a third straight.

💡 Match Prediction:

This should be a very close match between two strong rivals. Their recent head-to-head record is extremely tight. Home advantage could help the Wallabies edge it, but Wales won't make it easy for them.

If Australia's discipline holds up, their attacking flair could prove the difference. But Wales are hard to break down. I'm leaning towards Australia securing a close win, but it could go either way.

Betting Tips: