Couch Critic previews the Rugby World Cup matches between France and New Zealand and England and Argentina and nails up his play with BoyleSports
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THE OPENING SALVOS
FRANCE vs NEW ZEALAND (08 Sep)
Allez les bleus
The French have been the most consistent side in World Rugby over the past 24 months – not a sentence I thought I would ever be using! At their best they have that perfect blend of jaw dropping skills out the back and brutal big boys willing to look you in the eye, flash a smile and then smack you in the face.
Pros: Perfectly balanced game plan, passionate home fans and confidence of recent victories over all other contenders.
Cons: Counting against the hosts is the loss of the man I see as the best flyhalf in the game at present.
Paul Willemse’s physicality will also be missed in the pack.
Tres Bien Kiwis?
Written off 18 months ago with a seemingly bumbling, Foster at the helm. Yet an emergency patch-up job saw New Zealand not only stop the bleeding but snare two Rugby Championship titles and now walk into the RWC opener with a swagger instead of the expected limp.
Pros: Sure to bounce back from Bok humbling and their big match temperament.
Cons: The pack has improved under Jason Ryan but France will still fancy winning the arm-wrestle.
Crystal ball prediction
For mind this is a mini final for the hosts. Tears will be flowing in the stands and on the park when the music stops and the second half of the French anthem is belted out by everyone in blue. I see a fired-up home side giving it their all straight out the gate. France will have to dominate the battle upfront to keep the All Blacks at bay and I think they just about have the cattle to get it done. I am, however, a touch concerned that those sly Kiwis sneak it at the death as the roosters run out of puff.
The promise of French flair can often lead to expecting Champagne in a fancy flute and instead getting lukewarm pee in a plastic cup – let’s hope that is not the case on Friday evening!
Where my money is going
First half handicap France -1.5 @ 1.94 BET HERE
I’m expecting a French side hungrier than Frans Malherbe during the off season. Frogs to fire in the opening half for me.
HT/FT: FRA / NZ @ 8.10 BET HERE
In a tight game its worth taking this bigger price flutter.
ENGLAND vs ARGENTINA (09 Sep)
The one team has the power and the passion and the other is on a bigger slide than you can find at Sun City. Somehow this English side just seems to be stuck in neutral and Borthwick doesn’t seem capable of getting a jump-start going. Cheika will be licking his lips at the prospect of getting one over the Poms and he won’t get a better chance than this.
Crystal ball prediction
The Argies will enjoy playing in France and will be the fan favourites for this one. The South Americans haven’t been able to consistently string solid performances together but their opponent on the o ther hand have been consistent – consistently poor. The English pack has struggled, and their backs lack imagination at present. Los Pumas should have them covered in both departments.
Where my money is going
Argentina to win @ 1.99 BET HERE
No need to be fancy here - the Argies on the board to get the job done is my call.
Have yourselves a fabulously exotic Rugby World Cup!
Note: All Prices Available at BoyleSports at the time of posting but are subject to change
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Couch Critic
Couch is first and foremost a Bok fan and a long-suffering Sharks fan. He loves the occasional bet and often plays in the exotic markets where his penchant for well-priced Hookers* became his trademark
You can follow him on Twitter @HDiemont
He also has an Afrikaans Rugby Channel on YouTube “Die Losgemaal” – //www.youtube.com/@dielosgemaal4278">click here to subscribe
