Springboks vs. British & Irish Lions
The Springboks will know nothing other than a victory will suffice in this match. They will be wandering how they let a 12-3 halftime lead evaporate. The Lions totally dominated the second half but we can expect that there will be no repeat performance from the Springboks. The South Africans have picked Jasper Wiese at 8 and I feel that this selection could turn the result the home side’s way. The Lions have selected Conor Murray at 9 and to me this shows a slightly defensive selection. We should see the Springbok front row back to their best with Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi and Steven Kitshoff starting. It will be a baptism of fire for the Lions. The likes of Kolbe and Mapimpi should thrive with the front foot ball.
TIP: The Springbok management will no doubt have looked at their bench and realized that is where they lost the first test match. The home side looked dangerous on attack and must look at keeping possession as they can break open the Lions defense as Lukhanyo Am and Damian de Allende are able to ignite the backline. The home side will look to Eben Etzebeth to be the enforcer and he will want to get the better of his opposite number Maro Itoje. Itoje was superb in the win but the desire of the Springboks makes me tip them for the win. The bookies are offering great returns on the home win and the best odds on the Springbok win are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 2.00, Playabets 1.95, and Sunbet 1.97
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Springboks vs. British & Irish Lions
- In the last four matches between the sides there have been two Springbok wins and two Lions win
- The Lions won the last test match between the sides 22-17 last week.
Latest results for both teams
The Springboks lost their last match against the Lions 22-17.
- PREDICTION
This match will see Springbok skipper Kolisi and other players like Handré Pollard and Mapimpi more match fit after they tested positive for Covid. The man that is crucial to the Springboks cause is number 9 Faf De Klerk. He is so often the catalyst for everything good about the Boks and he will need his box kicking to be pinpoint. The home side will need to show that fighting spirit that made them World Champions in 2019. They will have learnt from their mistakes and I expect the Bomb Squad to carry them to victory. I expect the Springboks to win this match by 6 points.
- Confirmed Starting XVs
Springboks
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff
British & Irish Lions
15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Chris Harris, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Courtney Lawes, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (c), 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 1 Mako Vunipola
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Springbok victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 2.00
Playabets 1.95
Sunbet 1.97
Odds comparison on a Springbok handicap victory
Worldsportsbetting (-1.5) 2.10
Playabets (+0.5) 1.79
Sunbet (+1.5) 1.79
Predictions and Odds in details
There have been calls from many quarters calling for Willie Le Roux to be dropped for this match and I for one back him wholeheartedly and he will be the catalyst to ignite the Springboks. There are always going to be calls for changes when a team loses but I’m glad with the Springbok selections for this test match. The home team will dominate this match and will not roll over like in the first test match. I expect the power game of the Boks to be too much for the Lions to handle. Pieter-Steph du Toit will show the world why he is still rated the best player in the world with a bulldozing and totally dominant display. The bookies slightly favour the Lions but I back the Springboks on the generous handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-1.5) 2.10, Playabets (+0.5) 1.79 and Sunbet (+1.5) 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.
