Phaka Show host and isiXhosa commentator, Kaunda Ntunja, gives us his predictions for the upcoming semi-final matches in the Rugby World Cup. These games take place on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October 2019. Get your bets on now with Hollywoodbets.
New Zealand v England
Saturday 26 October
International Stadium Yokohama
12:00
To Win (80 Mins)
New Zealand 7/20
Draw 28/1
England 22/10
Handicap
New Zealand (-6.5) 9/10
England (+6.5) 9/10
The All Blacks arrived in Japan as the favorites to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy for a third time in a row and their performances in the tournament have vindicated that. Many people also gave England a chance because they have a solid squad and highly decorated coaches.
England however have never beaten New Zealand in a knockout match and in fact the last time that they ever beat them in a test match was in 2012. Eddie Jones has decided to revert to the tried and tested combo of Ford at 10 and Farrell at 12 with Tuilagi slotting in at 13. Steve Hansen has moved Sam Cane to the bench and is starting Scott Barrett at blindside flank with Ardie Savea moving to his preferred position of openside flank. This is a great call because Sam Cane is terribly off form. I believe that England will push the All Blacks deep in this match but Steve Hansen’s men will have too much quality to lose this one.
New Zealand to win by 7 points.
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South Africa v Wales
Sunday 27 October
International Stadium Yokohama
11:00
To Win (80 Mins)
South Africa 24/10
Draw 28/1
Wales 1/3
Handicap
South Africa (+7.5) 9/10
Wales (-7.5) 9/10
If there were no injuries going into this match this one would be a clear cut win for the Boks. The Welsh have hobbled through this tournament and can count their lucky stars that they knocked out France last week. It took a red card to Vahaamahina for Wales to get back into that match. Before that they were practically out of the contest.
The Boks started off the tournament by losing to the All Blacks but following that they have dominated all other opposition including a second half demolition of the home side Japan in the quarterfinal. Unfortunately for Rassie Erasmus’ men, Cheslin Kolbe who has been the standout performer is injured. This mean Sbu Nkosi slots in at right wing.
On the Welsh side Jonathan Davies returns and that adds a lot of quality to their midfield but Liam Williams is injured so they’ll be lacking pace on the counter attack especially now that we know that Leigh Halfpenny is his replacement. With all these cards on the table I still believe the Boks have the more dominant pack to put Wales away. This will be close but I still see the Boks winning.
South Africa to win by 5 points.
