Wales vs South Africa
South Africa kick off their Autumn international fixtures with a visit to the Principality Stadium to take on Wales. The Springboks had a superb victory in their last match winning 31-29 against the All Blacks. The Welsh will be smarting from the 54-16 drubbing they received from New Zealand last time out. To be fair to Wales they were in the match up until the last quarter when the difference in quality between the two side’s replacements became very obvious as the All Blacks ran in 26 unanswered points. South Africa come into this contest missing regulars like Cheslin Kolbe and Faf de Klerk who are both injured. Wales will be without their skipper Alun Wyn Jones who became the most capped player in history in the last match but unfortunately got injured later in the game.
TIP: Six Nations champions Wales are a proud rugby nation and last week’s loss would have hurt them albeit with a weakened side, so the Springboks can expect a backlash. Both teams will be testing the depth of their squads with an eye on the 2023 World Cup. Wales have an excellent recent record against South Africa winning the last four home matches against the World Champions. The last meeting between these sides was in the quarter finals of the 2019 World Cup which the Springboks narrowly won 19-16.It was the second successive World Cup that South Africa knocked Wales out at the quarter final stage. Since then Wales went on to surprise everyone by winning the Six Nations. South Africa will be desperate for the win as they haven’t beaten Wales at home since 2013. The bookies have the Springboks as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.28, Playabets 1.28 and Sunbet 1.26
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Wales vs South Africa
- Wales have won four of the last five matches between these sides.
- The Springboks beat Wales in their last encounter breaking a run of four consecutive defeats.
- The Springboks have not won away to Wales since 2013.
Latest results for both teams
Wales lost 54-16 to New Zealand in their last match while the Boks beat New Zealand 31-29 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Springboks will be desperate to end a losing run in Wales that dates back to 2013.They will be up against a Wales team that will be almost full strength so it won’t be an easy task. Wales have the edge in the backline with great wingers in Lions players Louis Rees-Zammit and Josh Adams. Both of them are very quick and superb in the air. The Bok wingers will be severely tested and Jesse Kriel in particular will be targeted as he is not a specialist winger. The Boks forwards hold the key in this match as they are stronger in all departments. They will win the scrum battle as Wales don’t have a strong tight five. The Boks will use their rolling maul to great effect especially later in the match. I expect a close match with the Boks replacements winning the match in the last quarter by less than 9 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Wales
15 Johnny McNicholl, 14 Louis Rees-Zammit, 13 Jonathan Davies (c), 12 Nick Tompkins, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Taine Basham, 6 Ellis Jenkins, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Will Rowlands, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Ryan Elias, 1 Rhys Carré
South Africa:
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Jesse Kriel, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Kwagga Smith, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nché
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the South African victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.28
Playabets 1.28
Sunbet 1.26
Odds comparison on the Wales handicap :
The complete odds on the Wales handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+8.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+9.5) 1.85
Playabets (+8.5) 1.79
Predictions and Odds in details
The Springbok selectors have surprised many by not selecting Aphelele Fassi at wing or fullback. I think this was the perfect opportunity to give the youngster a start and the selection of Kriel is a mistake. The Welsh will be targeting his wing and the Boks must be aware of this. South Africa will be tested in the midfield but I expect them to win that battle as Lukhanyo Am and Damian de Allende are arguably the best combination in world rugby. if the Springboks can be more expansive and get players like Damian Willemse and Makazole Mapimpi more into the game then Wales won’t be able to contain them. This match will be won in the forwards and South Africa will dominate this area. The bookies are offering decent returns on the Boks outright win but we suggest the home team on the handicap in this close match. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+8.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+9.5) 1.85 and Playabets (+8.5) 1.79
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.
