Written by @QuintenLetcher for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
New Zealand vs South Africa | Saturday 13 September | Westpac Stadium | 09:35
The most important clash of the international rugby calendar outside of a World Cup year takes place in Wellington this Saturday. The planet’s top two meet for their first battle of the season, and if last year’s closing clash at Ellis Park is any indication of what to expect from these two titans of rugby union, then we’re in for an exhilarating encounter. The All Blacks are yet to taste defeat in the Rugby Championship but they came dangerously close in their opening game this year against a volatile Wallaby side in Sydney, ending in a tryless 12-12 draw. It would seem that that was the last time Steve Hansen’s men planned on getting caught unaware this season, as they bounced back a week later to record a resounding 51-20 victory over their Bledisloe Cup adversaries. They followed that up with a respectable 28-9 win over Los Pumas in Napier with a performance that showcased their pack’s prowess in foul weather conditions, which will be quite reassuring for the locals with rain predicted for Saturday’s clash.
The Springboks have been kept far more honest this season than their upcoming hosts. The South Africans had to arm-wrestle two narrow victories from a resolute Argentina in clashes that highlighted major shortcomings in the once revered Bok scrum. They then went on to Sydney where Morne Steyn’s botched attempt to find touch in the dying minutes ultimately undid a match of gruelling hard work, as the Wallabies finally made their superior numbers count during Bryan Habana’s controversial absence and put Rob Horne over the whitewash with the dependable Bernard Foley slotting yet another match-clinching shot at goal. While the South Africans had a fair few questionable calls made against them by George Clancy that may or may not have altered the outcome of the match, it doesn’t change the hard truth that they were left wanting in several key areas of their game which, unless they have been adequately addressed in time for Saturday’s kick off, will result in a far more humbling loss this time around.
To Win (80mins)
New Zealand 2/9
South Africa 7/2
Draw 28/1
Handicaps
New Zealand (-9.5) 9/10
South Africa (+9.5) 9/10
New Zealand
Steve Hansen has made three changes to his run on side this week. Aaron Cruden returns at pivot having recovered from the chest injury that had him sidelined for last week’s clash with Los Pumas. Beauden Barrett, who claimed his first All Black start in the number ten jersey last week, drops to the bench after a poor showing with the boot last that saw four goal attempts going astray. In the forwards, injuries to Sam Whitelock and Liam Messam has provided starting opportunities for Jeremy Thrush and Steven Luatua.
South Africa
Heyneke Meyer has made just one change to the side that failed at the final hurdle against the Aussies last week, with Morne Steyn having kicked himself into touch with last week’s game losing blunder. World Junior Player of the Year Handre Pollard has been given command of the attack this Saturday with Pat Lambie remaining on the bench as cover. Skipper Jean de Villiers claims his 100th Test cap this week, making him only the fifth Springbok to reach this milestone, and is joined on the field by two other centurions in Victor Matfield and Bryan Habana.
VERDICT: New Zealand (-9.5) 9/10
The Springboks haven’t pulled off a win on New Zealand soil since back in 2009, and with wet conditions predicted, the battle up front is going to play a massive role this weekend. What we’ve seen from the Springbok pack so far this season has been far from promising. The All Blacks will run away with this one early on unless the visitors produce a much improved performance up front this week. Get on the handicap.
