New Zealand vs South Africa
New Zealand and South Africa, the top two ranked teams fittingly meet in the Rugby World Cup final. It is 28 years since these teams met in the 1995 final which the Springboks won 15-12. The winner of this match will make history as they will become the first nation to win the title four times. Both teams had contrasting semi-final wins with the All Blacks barely raising a sweat in their 44-6 demolition of the Pumas. The Springboks pulled off a miraculous victory as they came from 9 points down to score a converted try and a long range penalty by Handre Pollard in the last ten minutes to snatch the win.
TIP: There is not expected to be any changes from the All Blacks as their players are fresh after their easy win. Most of their top players were subbed early in the win, to keep them fully charged for the final. The Springboks will be looking to make changes in the halfbacks with Pollard and Faf de Klerk coming into the team, especially as rain is again predicted for the final. If it does rain then it could favor the Boks with their massive forward pack. The bookies have New Zealand as favorites but I’m tipping South Africa for the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 2.20, Gbets 2.25 and Hollywoodbets 2.20.
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
New Zealand vs South Africa
- South Africa have won three of the last five matches against New Zealand.
- New Zealand have won two of the last three matches between the sides.
Latest results for both teams
New Zealand beat Argentina 44-6 in their last match while South Africa beat England 16-15 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Springboks will have learnt a lot from their come from behind win in the semi-final and will be better prepared for an aerial onslaught. The All Blacks love to throw the ball around but the expected rain could level the playing fields. The match in all likelihood will be decided in the forwards, an area the Boks have the advantage. The likes of Aaron Smith and Richie Mo’unga will need to manage the game with calculated kicks while the back three of the Boks will need to be better in the air. There are many titanic clashes but the contest between Jordie Barrett and Damian de Allende in the midfield will go a long way to deciding the result. I am predicting the Springboks to win this match by 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
New Zealand
15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Mark Telea, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot
South Africa
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the South Africa victory are as follows:
Betway 2.20
Gbets 2.25
Hollywoodbets 2.20
Odds comparison on the South Africa handicap:
The complete odds on the South Africa handicap:
Betway 1.85 (+2.5)
Gbets 1.86 (+2.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.88 (+2.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are excellent odds on the Springboks upset win but if you looking for a safety bet then backing them on the handicap is a great idea. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.85 (+2.5), Gbets 1.86 (+2.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.88 (+2.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
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New Zealand vs South Africa
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Newcastle vs Northampton Saints
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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.
