South Africa vs Ireland
In what is arguably the biggest clash of the day, the Springboks welcome Ireland to Loftus Versfeld. This match sees the two top ranked teams go head to head with the visitors in with a chance of claiming the number one spot if they win by 15 points. The Springboks will have revenge on their mind after they were beaten by Ireland at the World Cup last year in the pool stage. It was the only defeat they suffered on the way to back to back world titles. The home side have 20 of their matchday 23 from the World Cup final available for this match while Ireland have some significant changes from that tournament.
TIP: The loss of key personnel like Jamieson Gibson-Park and Hugo Keenan are big losses for the Irish as they are main components to their attacking game. Their replacements Craig Casey and Jamie Osborne have big boots to fill. The Springboks have again gone for a 6-2 split on the bench with Grant Williams and new star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu covering the backline positions. Both players have covered numerous positions for their respective clubs. The bookies have the Springboks as favorites and I am also backing them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.36, Playabets 1.36 and Bettabets 1.37
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
South Africa vs Ireland
- Ireland have won the last three matches between the sides.
- South Africa last lost at home to Ireland in 2016.
Latest results for both teams
The Springboks beat Wales 41-13 in their last match while Ireland beat Scotland 17-13 in their last match.
PREDICTION
It goes without saying that this match will be one of the most brutally physical encounters with neither side taking a back step. The Irish pack is made up mainly of Leinster players, who were man handled recently by the Bulls at this same venue. This will no doubt give the Springboks forwards confidence heading into this match. The selection of Osborne in the fullback position is an indication that Ireland are preparing for an aerial assault as he is over 6 feet tall and great under the high ball. The home side will be targeting the scrums as their front row is the best in the game at present. The power of the Springboks pack makes me predict a home win by 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
South Africa
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Kwagga Smith, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche
Ireland
15 Jamie Osborne, 14 Calvin Nash, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Craig Casey, 8 Caelan Doris, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Peter O’Mahony (captain), 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Springboks victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 1.36
Playabets 1.36
Bettabets 1.37
Odds comparison on the Springboks handicap:
The complete odds on the Springboks handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (-6.5)
Playabets 1.87 (-6.5)
Bettabets 1.89 (-6.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Springboks outright win therefore we suggest the home team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.90 (-6.5), Playabets 1.87 (-6.5) and Bettabets 1.89 (-6.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Griquas vs Pumas
New Zealand vs England
Australia vs Wales
South Africa vs Ireland
Argentina vs France
Border vs EP
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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.
