Can the Springboks bounce back, or will the Wallabies shock again? See our preview and best bets for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash in Cape Town.
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South Africa vs Australia rugby betting tips | August 23, 2025
South Africa and Australia square off in Round 2 of the 2025 Rugby Championship at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday, August 23.
The Springboks enter as heavy favorites with online sportsbooks, priced at -400, while the Wallabies sit at +280 after their historic win last time out.
The Wallabies pulled off one of the most remarkable comebacks in Test rugby history last week, overturning a 22-0 deficit to run in 38 unanswered points and snap a 62-year drought at Ellis Park. That shock defeat forced head coach Rassie Erasmus into sweeping lineup changes as the Boks look to restore pride and keep their title defense alive.
Erasmus has brought back a core of seasoned stars including Handré Pollard, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Malcolm Marx, and Willie le Roux, while reshaping his pack with RG Snyman and Ruan Nortje to fix a misfiring lineout. Veteran Jesse Kriel will captain a side under immense pressure to deliver in front of the Cape Town faithful before a daunting tour of New Zealand.
On the other side, Australia arrives full of confidence. Harry Wilson’s two tries, Fraser McReight’s work at the breakdown, and Max Jorgensen’s finishing touch headlined a famous victory. Guided by the steady hand of veteran James O’Connor, head coach Joe Schmidt has found a balance of youth and experience that continues to grow. Despite injuries, the Wallabies now carry genuine momentum into Cape Town, with another upset looking like a chance with the top rugby betting sites.
South Africa vs Australia Round 2 lineups
South Africa starting XV
15 Willie le Roux
14 Canan Moodie
13 Jesse Kriel (capt.)
12 Damian de Allende
11 Cheslin Kolbe
10 Handré Pollard
9 Grant Williams
8 Jean-Luc du Preez
7 Franco Mostert
6 Marco van Staden
5 Ruan Nortje
4 RG Snyman
3 Thomas du Toit
2 Malcolm Marx
1 Ox Nche
Bench: Marnus van der Merwe, Boan Venter, Wilco Louw, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Australia predicted XV
15 Tom Wright
14 Dylan Pietsch
13 Joseph Sua’alii
12 Len Ikitau
11 Max Jorgensen
10 Tom Lynagh
9 Nic White
8 Harry Wilson (capt.)
7 Fraser McReight
6 Tom Hooper
5 Nick Frost
4 Will Skelton
3 Taniela Tupou
2 Billy Pollard
1 James Slipper
Bench: Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Jeremy Williams, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu
Springboks v Wallabies betting predictions
Australia to win
The Wallabies stunned the rugby world last week, and with the Springboks making 10 changes, an upset in Cape Town is firmly on the cards. Australia’s mix of youthful energy and O’Connor’s leadership gives them the tools to strike once more against a side that may struggle for cohesion. At +280 with BetOnline, the outright value is impossible to ignore.
Australia to win
Over 55.5 total points
Both teams showed major defensive flaws in Round 1, with 60 total points scored at Ellis Park. The Boks have strike weapons in Pollard, De Allende, and Kolbe, while Australia’s backline is on fire with Jorgensen and Joseph Sua’alii. Expect another end-to-end contest, making the over 55.5 points a strong play at -105.26 with BetOnline.
Over 55.5 total points
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