SuperSport’s Phaka show host Kaunda Ntunja gives us his predictions for the 1st round of the 2019 Rugby Championship, as well as Round 2 of the Currie Cup Premier Division! View his picks below, and get your bets on with Hollywoodbets!
Rugby Championship 2019
South Africa vs Australia
Saturday 20th July, 17:05
South Africa (-5.5)
Australia (+5.5)
South Africa 5/10
Australia 16/10
Draw 25/1
The Wallabies normally struggle playing against the Boks in the Highveld and this match at Ellis Park should be no different. This is clearly not the strongest Bok side as many who would be starting are in New Zealand as we speak preparing for the epic test against the All Blacks next weekend. The Wallabies however have been weakened by a number of injuries and Israel Folou’s end to his international career will be felt by Michael Cheika until the last whistle is blown in the World Cup. I expect the Boks to come through this match with flying colours.
Phaka Prediction:
Boks to win by 10 points.
Read the full Hollywoodbets preview for SA vs Australia here.
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Argentina vs New Zealand
Saturday 20th July, 22:05
Argentina (+12.5)
New Zealand (-12.5)
Argentina 4/1
New Zealand 1/6
Draw 33/1
I see many people talking up the All Blacks and how special they are. I believe there could be an upset on the cards here. In this All Black side there are key leaders that are not there. Guys like Sam Whitelock, Kieran Read and Ryan Crotty. We all know that most of the Crusaders have been given this week off and will most likely play next week against the Boks.
Mario Ledesma however has chosen his best side with the inclusion of a proper tighthead in the form of Figallo as well as one of the best flyhalves in the world Nicholas Sanchez back in the mix.
If I wasn’t a conservative punter I would go for a win for Argentina for the first time in their history but because calling huge upsets make me nervous I will go for a close win for the All Blacks. I suspect that I am going to be wrong.
Phaka Prediction:
All Blacks to win by 3 points.
Read the full Hollywoodbets preview for Argentina vs New Zealand here.
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Currie Cup 2019
Griquas vs Pumas
Friday 19th July, 17:00
Griquas (-9.5)
Pumas (+9.5)
This fixture will always be close regardless of whether they meet in the Currie Cup or in the SuperSport Rugby Challenge. These are two unions that operate from similar budgets and use the same squad throughout the year. I believe Griquas will win here but it will be close.
Phaka Prediction:
Griquas to win by 6 points.
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Blue Bulls vs Cheetahs
Friday 19th July, 19:15
Blue Bulls (-6.5)
Cheetahs (+6.5)
This is a difficult one to call because the Blue Bulls were embarrassed last week by a very good Province outfit while the Cheetahs haven’t played any rugby in months. The Cheetahs have just come from their preseason and will use this tournament as preparation for the Pro14. They have however picked their strongest team. This one could be scrap to the bitter end.
Phaka Prediction:
Blue Bulls to win by 5 points.
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Sharks vs Western Province
Saturday 20th July, 14:00
Sharks (+4.5)
Western Province (-4.5)
Western Province are clearly the team to beat this season while the Sharks are struggling to find their identity under their new coach Sean Everitt. I don’t see the Sharks winning this one unfortunately.
Phaka Prediction:
Western Province to win by 10 points.
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