England vs South Africa
This is arguably the most eagerly anticipated match of the Autumn Internationals when hosts England take on the Springboks at Twickenham. There will be plenty at stake in the rematch of the 2019 World Cup final. The major difference is that England will have a crowd of over 80 000 supporting them. Both these teams are unbeaten in their November internationals. The English have a score to settle but will have to do so without the services of Captain Owen Farrell who has been ruled out due to injury. The English easily dispatched Australia 32 -15 in their last match. There will be added spice in this match after Maro Itoje was nominated for World Rugby Player of the year ahead of Eben Etzebeth, with the latter dominating the English player in the World Cup final and the British & Irish Lions Tour.
TIP: England have not lost at home to South Africa since 2014. The South African have recorded impressive victories over Wales and Scotland in their last two matches but this will be their acid test. They will want to show that the World Cup final win was no fluke. They have used the same tactic of bringing on their much-vaunted Bomb Squad to close the two matches. They are also missing some key personnel through injury but the replacements have stepped up when it really mattered. The Springboks will be keen to end their losing run at Twickenham having only won here twice since 2012. The bookies are offering great returns on the away win and the best odds on the Springbok win are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.83, Playabets 1.79, and Sunbet 1.77
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
England vs South Africa
- In the last five matches between the sides the Boks have won three and the English two.
- England won their last two home matches against the Boks.
- The Boks won their last encounter in the WC Final 32-12.
Latest results for both teams
England won their last match 32-15 against Australia while the Boks beat Scotland 30-15 in their last match.
PREDICTION
South Africa have shown their intend of winning at all costs in these matches by playing their strongest and most experienced team resisting calls to blood some youngsters on this tour. They have gone with their tried and tested combinations while the English have injury struggles in the scrum. They were demolished in the World Cup in the scrums and they will do well to avoid the same fate in this match. The match will be close but the Springbok subs will win the match for them. The away team to win by more than 4 points.
Confirmed Starting XVs
England
15 Freddie Steward, 14 Joe Marchant, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Jonny May, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Tom Curry, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Courtney Lawes (c), 5 Jonny Hill, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Jamie Blamire, 1 Bevan Rodd
South Africa
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Jesse Kriel, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Cobus Reinach, 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 Springbok victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.83
Playabets 1.79
Sunbet 1.77
Odds comparison on a Springbok handicap victory
Worldsportsbetting (-1.5) 1.90
Playabets (-1.5) 1.89
Sunbet (-1.5) 1.90
Predictions and Odds in details
The Boks have recalled Handre Pollard to the flyhalf position so we can be assured there will a lot of kicking in this match. The man that is most dangerous in the Boks backline is Makazole Mapimpi who scored two tries in the last match. He is in a rich try scoring form since he came into the Springbok team. The English have made the strange decision of selecting Joe Merchant on the wing. They have a fantastic winger sitting on the sidelines in Adam Radwan and he was in great form this season.The bookies slightly favour the visitors therefore I back the Springboks on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-1.5) 1.90, Playabets (-1.5) 1.89 and Sunbet (-1.5) 1.90
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.
