New Zealand vs South Africa
South Africa once again found a way to lose against the All Blacks after leading with 3 minutes to go. The Springboks should never have been in that situation if they took their scoring chances earlier in the match. The form and decision making of the Boks half back pairing cost them the match. There were numerous opportunities for them to score but inexplicably they kept kicking the ball away. The All Blacks were also very poor and was one of their worst performances in years but they still managed to won. The Boks forward pack was exceptional but it is their backline that is the problem. They persist with the kick and chase tactics which is not only boring but also prevents their wings fro getting the ball in space. The Boks have gone in with the same backline but I do hope that they try and run the ball. The All Blacks have made a host of changes especially in the backline and I think it strengthens the team.
TIP: The All Blacks have brought in Sevu Reece and Rieko Ioane onto the wings in place of Will Jordan and George Bridge with the latter paying the price for gifting the Boks their only try. Ioane has been moved from the centre position with Anton Lienert-Brown taking his place. The Springboks are basically playing the same players for the fourth consecutive match and think is unfair on the other squad members who haven’t had a game. The Boks have to use the ball better and stop kicking away try scoring opportunities. Their pack has the advantage over the All Blacks but it is up to Pollard to launch the backline into the game. The All Blacks have no such problems in attack and they showed with the one chance they got that they are deadly finishers. The bookies have the All Blacks as favourites and I’m also tipping then for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.22, Playabets 1.21 and Sunbet 1.22
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
New Zealand vs South Africa
- In the last five matches there have been three wins for NZ and one for the Springboks. There has also been one drawn match.
- Five of the last six matches have been decided by less than 3 points.
- There has been just 1 Springbok win in the last 11 matches.
Latest results for both teams
New Zealand won their last match against the Springboks 19-17.
PREDICTION
The Boks love the physical nature of the game and use their powerful and big forwards to gain the ascendency. This is all good but it doesn’t get you points on the scoreboard. The All Blacks on the other hand play a more complete game where the interplay between the forwards and backs are a joy to watch. As with any match between these sides it comes down to the All Blacks attack versus the Springboks defence. I just hope that the Boks show more attacking intention so that it could turn into a great spectacle of a match. The Boks do have the advantage in the scrum but was not rewarded for their supremacy. The All Blacks were great at nullifying one of the Boks major weapons, the driving maul. We have seen the Boks struggle if they can’t gain metres with their maul. The All Blacks have star play Richie Mo’unga back on the bench and I feel his introduction in the second half will assure them a win by less than 10 points
- Probable Starting XVs
New Zealand
15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 David Havili, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Luke Jacobson, 7 Ardie Savea (captain), 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody.
South Africa
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Sibusiso Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Francois de Klerk, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Albertus Smith, 6 Siyamthanda Kolisi (captain), 5 Lodewyk de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nché.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the All Blacks victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.22
Playabets 1.21
Sunbet 1.22
Odds comparison on the Springboks handicap :
The complete odds on the Springboks handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+10.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+10.5) 1.90
Playabets (+9.5) 1.89
Predictions and Odds in details
Akira Ioane was their star player earlier in the competition but was largely quiet against the Boks and he will no doubt want to get his running and powerful game back in this match. Bok Captain Siya Kolisi had arguably his best game in a Bok jersey and his team will again look to him for inspiration. He definitely won his duel with opposite skipper Ardie Savea. Since the Rugby Championship title is already won by the All Blacks I expect them to be more attacking than ever before. The Boks defence will need to be at its very best and the player I think that needs a big game for them is Duane Vermeulen. Since his return from injury he is yet to replicate the form he showed in the World Cup. If he is at his best then the Boks have an outside chance of causing an upset. The bookies are offering poor returns on the All Blacks outright victory therefore I suggest the value bet of the Boks on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+10.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+10.5) 1.90 and Playabets (+9.5) 1.89
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
