Saturday’s Springbok trial match between the Green and Gold sides at Newlands promises to be an exciting affair and if the betting is anything to go by the sides are going to be very evenly matched.
This match will give the Springbok coaching staff a chance to have a look at some of the talent on display before the Rugby Championships later in the year. We must state first up that betting too big on a game like this is probably not the best move as the result is of less importance to both the players and the coaches than the actual performances of the players. That being said there are odds on the game and if you are sitting on the couch or in a pub watching you will no doubt want a bet.
GREEN TEAM
The Springbok Green team will be led by Siya Kolisi, the World Cup winning Captain and he also has the likes of Duane Vermeulen with him in the pack. Elton Jantjies will be the backline general at 10 and it will be interesting to see how the veteran Frans Steyn goes in the 12 jersey. There will no doubt be a lot of changes around half-time and into the second half and there are 25 players in total in the squad.
GOLD TEAM
The Gold team is led by Lukhanyo Am captaining the side from the number 13 jersey. He is surrounded by what looks like a very talented backline and players to watch include Warrick Gelant at 15 and the exciting Damian Willemse at 10. The pack also looks very strong in particular the front row where Kitshoff starts at loose head prop.
This game does look as close as the betting suggests, but I find myself leaning towards the Gold team.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Springbok Green 8/10
Draw 25/1
Springbok Gold 11/10
Handicap: Springbok Green (-1.5) at 9/10, Springbok Gold (-1.5) at 9.10
Suggested Bet: Springbok Gold win at 11/10
What makes this bet more attractive is the World Sports Betting promotion that if you back a side to win and it loses to points scored in the last 5 minutes you get your stake back in the form of free bets – T&C’s apply. Given that this match has been priced up as a choice affair it certainly is some nice insurance to have.
There will of course be in-running betting on the game as well and that maybe the way to play that one and I will be interested to see the Total Points Lines as I think things may get scrappy wen the substitutes come on.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
