The July internationals kick off in earnest this weekend and we have already seen a South African side prepping for their Tests with the British & Irish Lions easily dispatch Georgia 40-9. Most of the big countries have matches this weekend – though Australia and France noticeably do not as they play on Wednesday – and here is a quick look at where the betting stands for the most intriguing upcoming contests.
Here is a look at some of the games on July 3 and 4:
New Zealand VS Tonga – Mount Smart Stadium (Auckland)
The line for this one is an outrageous 79.5 points paying 0.90. The All Blacks basically have to score one point per minute to cover in a contest against a country that will be playing with pride and a sense of frustration that their bigger neighbors steal a great deal of their talent. The All Blacks havent played in over 200 days and they are facing a Tonga team with 13 uncapped players in their 23, a couple of which aren’t even full professionals yet. The last meeting was a 92-7 win in favor of New Zealand, but I see Tonga holding out and covering the +79.5 to win the spread bet here.
Ireland VS Japan – Aviva Stadium, Dublin
An angry James Ryan will be center stage as the overlooked potential British Lion leads out the Irish against Japan. The lock – who was sensational during the 2017-19 seasons – will be looking to impress here, as will fly-half Joey Carbery in the No. 10 shirt. Carbery has long been seen as the next fly-half off of the rank for Ireland after Johnny Sexton, but inuries have curtailed his developemnt. Japan aquitted themselves well against rthe Lions last weekend and will be looking to a back three led by winger Kotaro Matsushima to give them hope here. I like Japan to cover the 9.5 point spread at 0.90 with BetXChange.
Lions VS British & Irish Lions – Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
The B&I Lions are 26.5 point favoorites here in their first match in South Africa of their tour. The side will be captained by Stuart Hogg of Scotland, a player long thought to be one of the first names on the Lions’ tea, sheet, but who seems to have some work to do to take the fullback shirt in the Tests given his demotion to a sub by Exeter at the back end of the Premiership season. There are 14 changes from the win over Japan, with the fit again Hamish Watson debuting at flanker alongside lock Jonny Hill, center Chris Harris, and wing Louis Rees-Zammit. Finn Russell and Owen Farrell at 10 and 12 respectivly will give the British & Irish Lions a platofrm to cover the spread at 0.90 with BetXChange.
England VS USA – Twickenham Stadium, London
- England – N/A
- USA – 13.01
- Draw – 45.41
The next generation of English talent will take to the pitch at Twickers as 37.5 point favorites against the USA on Sunday. It is a side captained by Lewis Ludlow that features eight debutants, with the majority of the English experience either on tour with the Lions or rested. With so many players looking to make a name for themselves and move up the pecking order when Eddie Jones has his full compliment of players available I fully expect this squad to take it to the USA and comfortably cover that 37.5 point line at 0.90 with BetXChange.
