Betting Odds Favor Springboks in High-Stakes Showdown Against All Blacks
The third round of the Rugby Championship brings a highly anticipated clash between South Africa and New Zealand at the iconic Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg. The Springboks are coming off two solid wins against the Wallabies, but facing the All Blacks on home soil is an entirely different challenge. With both teams bringing unique strengths to the field, fans and bettors are eager to see who will come out on top in this historic rivalry.
Current Betting Odds:
As the match approaches, Betway has placed the odds in favour of the Springboks, who have shown strong form in the championship so far. Here’s how the odds stand:
South Africa:
- Win: 1.36 (Bet R100 to win R136.00)
- Halftime/Fulltime: 1.70 (Bet R100 to win R170.00)
- -7.5 Handicap: 1.91 (Bet R100 to win R191.00)
- Margin 8-14: 3.75 (Bet R100 to win R375.00)
New Zealand:
- Win 3.65 (Bet R100 to win R365.00)
- Margin 1-7 points: 5.40 (Bet R100 to win R540.00)
- Race to 10 Points: 2.13 (Bet R100 to win R213.00)
Other:
- Draw: 24.00 (Bet R100 to win R2,400.00)
- Most points scored in the first half: 1.85 (Bet R100 to win R185.00)
These odds reflect the confidence in the Springboks, especially given their home advantage and recent performances. However, the All Blacks are not far behind, and with their history of success in South Africa, they remain a formidable opponent.
Key Factors Influencing the Odds:
- Team Form and Recent Performance: South Africa has started the Rugby Championship on a high note, with dominant victories over Australia in both Brisbane and Perth. The Springboks’ new attacking style under Tony Brown has breathed fresh life into their gameplay, with young stars like Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu stepping up in crucial moments. However, the All Blacks, under Scott Robertson, have also shown resilience, bouncing back from a surprise loss to Argentina with strong performances in subsequent matches.
- Injuries and Squad Changes: Rassie Erasmus has made nine changes to the team that played in Perth, largely due to injuries in the second row. Despite these changes, the Springboks’ starting line-up remains strong, with players like Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese continuing to be key figures. The All Blacks, on the other hand, will be relying on their depth, with Tamaiti Williams and Tyrel Lomax expected to face tough battles in the scrum against Frans Malherbe and Ox Nche.
- Historical Data and Head-to-Head Record: Historically, the All Blacks have the upper hand against the Springboks, winning 62 out of their 106 encounters. However, the last five matches in South Africa have been more evenly contested, with the Springboks winning three out of five. The average score in these games has been close, with New Zealand scoring an average of 32 points to South Africa’s 24, suggesting a tight contest.
- Home Advantage: Emirates Airline Park has been a fortress for the Springboks, and with the support of a passionate home crowd, they will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table. The altitude of Johannesburg also plays a role, often giving the home side an edge, especially in the later stages of the match when fatigue sets in.
Expert Predictions and Insights:
Rugby analysts are largely backing the Springboks to continue their winning streak. ESPN predicts a 10-point victory for South Africa, while other experts, including Planet Rugby’s poll, show 84% of fans expecting a Springbok win. The All Blacks, however, are never to be underestimated, and Scott Robertson’s team will be eager to make a statement after a mixed start to the championship.
Betting Tips:
For those looking to place bets, here are some tips to consider:
- Winning Margin Bets: Given the odds and recent form, betting on a Springbok victory by 12+ points could offer good value. With the odds for a 12+ point win at 3.75, this bet seems promising, especially if the Springboks can maintain their momentum from the first two rounds.
- Set-Piece Dominance: The battle at the set-piece will be crucial in this game. If you’re considering in-play bets, watch for how the scrums and lineouts are shaping up. The Springboks have a strong pack, but the All Blacks have shown improvements under Robertson, making this an area to keep an eye on.
- Player Performance Bets: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is a player to watch in this match. If he can continue his impressive form, betting on him to contribute significantly in terms of points or assists could be worthwhile. Similarly, Eben Etzebeth’s impact off the bench could be a game-changer, making him a potential candidate for a late try.
- Halftime/Fulltime Bets: With the Springboks expected to start strong, a halftime/fulltime bet on South Africa/South Africa at 1.70 offers a safer option, while betting on South Africa to come from behind and win offers higher returns at 5.80.
Check out the odds at Betway.
Conclusion:
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter between two of rugby’s greatest rivals. With the Springboks favoured to win, the pressure will be on them to deliver in front of their home crowd. The All Blacks, however, are more than capable of causing an upset, making this a must-watch match for rugby fans and a fascinating prospect for bettors. Whether you’re backing the Springboks to cover the handicap or looking for value in player performance bets, this game promises to be a high-stakes affair with plenty of excitement.
Date: Saturday 31 August 2024
Kick-off: 17:00 SAST
Venue: Emirates Airline Park Stadium, Johannesburg
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant Referees: Matt Carley (England), Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (Ireland)
Springboks: Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach, Jasper Wiese, Ben-Jason Dixon, Siya Kolisi (captain), Ruan Nortje, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Eben Etzebeth, Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Grant Williams, Handre Pollard
All Blacks: Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Damian McKenzie, TJ Perenara; Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Ethan Blackadder, Tupou Vaa'i, Scott Barrett (c), Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams.
Replacements: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Sam Darry, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, Mark Tele'a