South Africa will close out their pool phase campaign with a clash against Canada on Tuesday the 8th of October.
The Springboks will be looking for their third win of the pool phase when they take on a Canadian side that has lost their opening two fixtures by rather heavy margins.
Photo Copyright Steve Haag Sport – Hollywoodbets
South Africa v Canada
Tuesday 8 October
Misaki Park Stadium
12:15
To Win (80 Mins)
South Africa N/A
Draw 40/1
Canada 50/1
Handicap
South Africa (-53.5) 9/10
Canada (+53.5) 9/10
South Africa
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made multiple changes for the ‘Boks final pool phase game with only two players remaining from the starting XV that beat Italy 49-3 this past Friday.
In the backline, Damian Willemse – who was brought in as an injury replacement just a few short weeks ago – gets a start at fullback with Warrick Gelant and Sbu Nkosi the two wingers. The midfield has something of a new look to it with Frans Steyn starting at 12 and Damien de Allende shifting out to 13. The nine-ten combo sees Cobus Reinach link up with Elton Jantjies
In the forwards, Francois Louw and Kwagga Smith start in the loose trio alongside skipper Siya Kolisi, while RG Snyman and Franco Mostert are the preferred second-row combination. Veteran Schalk Britz will get his first start at hooker with the former Saracens man having started at eigthman against Namibia.
South Africa last met Canada back in 2015 where they ran out 18-51 victors. The only other meeting between the two sides came back at the 1995 World Cup where South Africa won a physical encounter 20-0.
Canada
The Canadian’s have given a rather decent account of themselves in this tournament, playing with a lot of heart and never giving up. This was evident during the final 20 minutes of their clash with New Zealand last week Wednesday, where they frustrated their opponents and managed to ensure the flood gates were closed after the All Blacks had run riot in the third quarter of the game.
The Canadians, for all their endeavour, have already shipped 111 points in their two matches and their average concession rate in 55.5 points per game. These are not stats you want to have behind you when you’re taking on a ‘Bok team that is laden with attacking talent.
Verdict: South Africa (-53.5) 9/10
These big handicaps have been an absolute nightmare to follow in the tournament. But with the weather cooling down and the ‘Boks fielding a very attacking side I think this one may fall.
Written by Darry Worthington for Hollywoodbets
