Couch Critic previews Saturday's Rugby World Cup semi final clash between England and New Zealand with best bets from @Olimp_SA

And then there were four… England, New Zealand, Wales and South Africa will remain in Japan for the next ten days as they seek to settle the final pecking order between the quartet. Let’s have a look at what to expect from Yokohama for the Semi-Final between the England and the All Blacks. Betting opportunities are starting to run out so it’s time to have a proper go before we have to wait another four years…!

England vs New Zealand, Saturday 26 October @ 10:00 (Yokohama)

What you need to know

England topped their pool by virtue of beating Argentina in their decisive group stage clash. Last week they bought a ticket to finals week by dishing out a beating to the Wallabies. Four tries to one tells you all you need to know about how the Poms managed to dictate terms against the men in yellow.

The All Blacks had to dig deep to beat South Africa in their opener but after that the defending champions weren’t challenged at all. But instead of looking short of a gallop in their Quarter Final New Zealand hit fifth gear as they ran rampant against the helpless Irish. Seven tries in a knockout game is hardly the norm. Despite some early worries (including from yours truly) it seems Hansen’s men may well be hitting their best form at exactly the right time.

How I see it panning out

This is proper finals footy as the Australasians would say. There is no doubt in my mind that the English will test the Kiwis like few others have. Eddie Jones is a bit of a weirdo (in the nicest possible way) but the rugby nerd will have been planning for this clash for a very long time. Expect a few tricks from the Poms to try and unsettle New Zealand and stop them from finding their lethal attacking rhythm.

Steve Hansen and many of his squad have been there and seen it all. They will know full well that the English are going to throw everything including the kitchen sink at them. Yet one gets the feeling that the All Blacks have timed their run well in 2019. Yes, Ireland aren’t nearly as dangerous a side as South Africa or England but it was still a seriously impressive power performance by the reigning title holders who quite clearly are not keen to give up their gold. Eddie might have the tricks but Steve has the artillery at his disposal to blow any threat to pieces, and he surely will!

Betting Strategy

Pre-tournament I was pretty bullish about England and had a feeling this All Black team just weren’t as good as ones we’ve seen in previous years. Yet I suppose we can say that for pretty much all of the top teams. England will look to smother and out-muscle the Champs but they have plenty of experience from seeing South Africa try the same thing against them. Read’s warriors will be ready to fight fire with fire and I don’t see the Poms being able to stay with them.

Betolimp Best Bet: New Zealand – 6.5 @ 1.84

Special Play 1: New Zealand to win both halves @ 2.50

Special Play 2: Beauden Barrett to score first try and New Zealand to win @ 18.00

Special Play 2: Last Tryscorer – TJ Perenara @ 19.00

Special Play 3: Anytime Tryscorer – Anton Lienert Brown @ 4.30

Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change

Couch Critic