New Zealand vs South Africa
It’s the match we all have been waiting for, the 100th test match between the Springboks and All Blacks. The both teams come into this contest with contrasting fortunes with the Boks losing two on the trot against the Wallabies while the All Blacks walloped the Aussies 3-0 and then the thrashed the Argies 2-0. When these powerhouses meet we can throw the form book out the window. The Springboks always bring out their best against the old enemy. They will need their big name players like Handré Pollard, Faf de Klerk and Duane Vermeulen to find form and there is no better time than against the All Blacks. The New Zealanders have destroyed all opposition this season and whatever team they have picked the players have been brilliant. Captain Ardie Savea is spoilt for choice and the player that has impressed the most has been Akira Ioane. For so long he was touted as the next All Black star and finally he is fulfilling all that promise.
TIP: The Springboks seem to play their best rugby when they are written off and this match will prove that point. They tried to deviate from their game plan in the last match and It backfired badly. This need to play to their strengths which is the kick and chase game but must defend better. The All Blacks will welcome the Boks kicking at them as they have the best counter attackers in the game. The Boks will need to be deadly accurate with their kicking otherwise they will lose this match. One player that will need to improve on attack and defence is Willie Le Roux. There have been widespread calls for him to be dropped but this is when he puts in his best performances. The bookies have the All Blacks as heavy favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.22, Playabets 1.14 and Sunbet 1.20
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
New Zealand vs South Africa
- In the last five games there have been three NZ wins and one win for the Boks with one draw.
- The last match on neutral ground was won by NZ 23-13.
- The last five games between the sides have been decided by 10 points or less.
Latest results for both teams
NZ won their last match 36-13 against Argentina while the Boks lost 30-17 to Australia in their last match.
PREDICTION
The traditional strengths of these teams make certain that we will have a contrast in playing styles. The Boks are forward based team who kick and rely on their defence to force teams into mistakes. The All Blacks love running the ball but now they also have a powerful pack to match the Boks. The Boks will look for forward domination and if the All Blacks can with stand the onslaught then they will win. South Africa rely heavily on their rolling maul and if it doesn’t fire then they seldom have a plan B while the All Blacks can vary their style of play because their players are much more versatile than the Boks. The battle at scrum time will be crucial and the Boks will be looking to bounce back as their scrum was ineffective against Australia. I expect a tight contest with the All Blacks winning it in the last quarter. I predict an All Blacks win by less than 7 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
New Zealand
15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 David Havili, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Ardie Savea (captain), 7 Dalton Papalii, 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tom 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 Kwagga Smith, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Trevor Nyakane
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the All Blacks victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.22
Playabets 1.14
Sunbet 1.20
Odds comparison on the Springbok handicap :
The complete odds on the Springbok handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+12.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+12.5) 1.79
Playabets (+12.5) 1.90
Predictions and Odds in details
There are exciting backs on both sides and it will be down to the two number 10s, Handré Pollard and Beauden Barrett to see who can ignite their backline. The man that has been electric for the All Blacks is Rieko Ioane. He burst onto the scene a few years ago but then went through a drop in form. His move from the wing to centre has been a revelation and his head to head battle with Lukhanyo Am will be one of the highlight. The most intriguing battle for me will be the two beastly locks Eben Etzebeth and Brodie Retallick going up against each other. Both these players are seen as the hard men of their teams and there will be no backing down when they clash. This match will come down to the Boks defence against the All Blacks attack and this will eventually wear the Boks down in the last 20 minutes. A close win for the All Blacks are on the cards. The bookies are offering poor returns on the All Blacks outright win therefor I suggest the Boks on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+12.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+12.5) 1.79 and Playabets (+12.5) 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.
