Couch Critic previews Sunday's Rugby World Cup semi final clash between Wales and South Africa 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 South Africa and Wales – betting opportunities are running out on us and I for one don’t want to wait another four years before enjoying a punt on some of the markets below.

Wales vs South Africa, Sunday 27 October @ 11:00 (Yokohama)

What you need to know

Wales topped their group after disposing of the Wallabies during pool play. In the Quarters they were able to dramatically stage a late fight back to keep their hopes alive of a maiden Rugby World Cup title. Of the four finalists Alun-Wyn Jones’ troops remain the distant outsiders to claim the trophy.

South Africa seek to become the first team to win the Web-Ellis having lost a match during their campaign. The early slip-up against New Zealand was rectified with a second half dismantling of host nation, Japan last Sunday. This time around the Springboks are sure to be tested by a battle-hardened Welsh outfit. SA coach, Rassie Erasmus must also surely be worried by the lack of form of Willie le Roux in particular. Both teams will be missing a vital attacking cog in Liam Williams and Cheslin Kolbe.

How I see it panning out

I’ve said it before – Wales know how to scrap for a win. They proved this in no uncertain terms against France. They will need to go to the well one more time if they are to make it to the big final in Tokyo. The tenacious Welsh will have to fight and claw for all their worth to stay in the contest and start putting pressure on their more fancied opponents.

South Africa might be joint second favourites to win the tournament yet realistically they have done very little to deserve the backing they are receiving at present. They lost to New Zealand and had a horribly opening forty minutes against Japan. In the first forty South Africa spent a considerable amount of time making tackles and when opportunities did finally present themselves, they were wasteful. The form of one or two of their players remains a concern and I struggle to see this group disposing of either England or New Zealand in a final. Yet, I do reckon they will just about have enough (especially on the defensive front) to scrape home in this clash.

Betting Strategy

I can’t see past a narrow Bok win in a tight tussle dominated by solid defence from both teams. The team who is more accurate when kicking for goal and more disciplined when defending will come out tops in this one – and I reckon that will be Rassie’s Boks. Watch out for Nkosi celebrating are rare starting gig with the first score whilst I’m expecting a big game from the big PSdT on the side of the scrum.

Betolimp Best Bet: Total Points Under 38.5 @ 1.82

Special Play 1: Wales Total Points under 14.5 @ 1.80

Special Play 2: HT/FT Margin: SA 1-8 /SA 1-12 @ 6.50

Special Play 3: More penalties to be scored in the match than tries – YES @ 1.61

Special Play 4: First Tryscorer – S’bu Nkosi @ 10.00

Special Play 5: Man of the Match – Pieter Steph du Toit @ 12.50

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

Couch Critic