Rugby Union betting tips: Scotland face unknown Tonga threat

Preview and odds for Saturday’s internationals

Scotland and Wales begin their Autumn Nations Series against Tonga and New Zealand respectively and we look at the odds to seek out some rugby union betting tips.

Saturday’s two internationals are live on Amazon Prime.

Scotland v Tonga (2.30pm)

Scotland face Tonga, Australia, South Africa and Japan in the Autumn Internationals.

First up are Tonga, who are something of an unknown quantity – although coach Gregor Townsend knows exactly how dangerous the Polynesians can be.

Andy Robinson was fired as coach in November 2012 after Tonga won 21-15 at Pittodrie and while they returned two years later, losing 37-12 at Rugby Park, this may prove a stiff introduction to the campaign for the Scots.

Announcing his squad of 42 for the four-game series, Townsend admitted: “They’re very dangerous.

“They can score a try out of nothing and they’re a hugely motivated team – they’re going to be tough opponents. I don’t think there’s a team in world rugby or a group of people who tackle harder than the Tongans.

“There’s the unknown factor as well. They will be putting a team together that probably hasn’t played much, so we’re not going to be able to look at footage of how this team plays.”

Scotland are limited by the unavailability of those based in England and France, because this falls out of the recognised international window, so clubs will not release the likes of Stuart Hogg, Duhan van der Merwe, Rory Sutherland, Chris Harris and Finn Russell.

Yet the hosts are 1/100 to win at Murrayfield and 5/6 to successfully cover a 29.5-point handicap.

Tonga, 16/1 to win, have not had much opportunity to get to know each other with the usual geographical difficulties exacerbated by Covid-19 concerns.

While there are 12 uncapped players in the squad, most of the Scotland side will be made up by players from Glasgow or Edinburgh, which can bring cohesion, and it is a great opportunity for Townsend to see players who may not usually get the opportunity.

The tie is available at odds of 50/1.

🗨️ Those players lucky enough to be selected, it's going to be a massive occasion…

The countdown is on as Wales head coach Wayne Pivac looks ahead to taking on the @AllBlacks in the opening game of the #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/Msj0SnEeXA

— Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) October 14, 2021

Wales v New Zealand (5.15pm)

Wales are huge underdogs at 11/1 to beat the Kiwis at a sold-out Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Like Scotland, they will be without several big names with Dan Biggar and Louis Rees-Zammit unavailable.

There are also a number of injuries to contend with, meaning Wales face a significant challenge against a New Zealand side that walloped the USA 104-14 in Washington.

Wales have not beaten the Kiwis in 68 years and the visitors are 1/33 to win and 10/11 to successfully cover a 25.5-point handicap. The tie is on offer at 40/1.

Coach Wayne Pivac will certainly have Josh Adams as one of the first names on the team sheet. The top try scorer at the last World Cup has a proven track record and also takes tough challenges in his stride.

There will also be a chance for Aaron Wainwright to shine.

He has been patient for a big-game opportunity amid Taulupe Faletau’s domination of the Wales No 8 position in the Pivac era.

Wainwright shone against Australia at the last World Cup but regardless of who is selected, Wales face an uphill battle.

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All odds and markets correct at date of publication