The semi-finals of the Netball World Cup take place in Cape Town on Saturday and we take a look at both games from a betting angle.
South Africa unfortunately fell just short of making the semi-finals and they play out for positions 5-8. Their game is at 18h00 hours tonight (Friday) and you can click here for the betting against Tonga where the Proteas are currently priced at -14.5.
OUTRIGHT BETTING
Australia started this Tournament as favourites at 9/10 and they have actually drifted slightly to 11/10 ahead of Jamaica 22/10, you can get 5/1 England and 15/2 New Zealand.
Click here for the latest Outright Betting
England v New Zealand – Click here to bet
England had no problems advancing from their group where they finished with maximum points and a positive goal difference of 109. They then moved into Group F with 5 other teams and they topped that group keeping up their 100% record with comfortable victories over Tonga and Fiji and a hard fought 56-55 nail-biting win over Australia.
New Zealand cruised to victory in Group D with 3 wins in their 3 starts and a positive goal difference of 120. Their toughest match was against Uganda which they won 54-44. They then finished 2nd in Group G behind Jamaica who they lost to 59-48 in their final game having drawn 48-48 with South Africa who they advanced ahead of on goal difference.
BETTING
England 5/10
Draw 22/1
New Zealand 27/20
I have been impressed with this England team particularly their game against Australia and I think they can beat this New Zealand team by more than the handicap. New Zealand are of course the defending Champions, but they just haven't convinced me this week.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, England -2.5 at 9/10
Jamaica v Australia – Click here to bet
Jamaica were my pre-tournament pick at 33/10 and they haven't disappointed, emerging from Group C with a 100% record which included a 67-49 win over South Africa. They then topped Group G in the second phase beating Uganda by 12 goals, thrashing Trinidad & Tobago by 63 and finally beating New Zealand by 11 in what was their biggest test of the Tournament.
Australia came through Group A with a 100% record and a massive positive goal difference of 172 even reaching the century mark against Fiji where they won 101-32. Australia comfortably beat Scotland and Malawi in Group F in Phase 2 before getting shocked 55-56 by England where some wayward shooting cost them.
BETTING
Jamaica 12/10
Draw 22/1
Australia 11/20
I am sticking to my guns here. I have been very impressed with Jamaica and I am happy to back them to progress to the final at current prices
Suggested Bet: Jamaica win at 12/10
Click here for all Betting on the Netball World Cup
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
