Rugby World Cup 2015: Once bitten twice try for South Africa in open Samoan encounter
Last Saturday afternoon, South Africa were on the wrong end of arguably the biggest upset in World Cup history, losing 34-32 to minnows Japan.
Tomorrow’s opponents, Samoa, played the part of underdogs in another contender for that crown when, as Western Samoa in 1991, they overturned Wales to stun the sport.
They’re much more competitive now than 24 years ago, and will scent Springbok blood at Villa Park in tomorrow’s afternoon kick-off.
However, the Boks will have taken a hiding from coach Heyneke Meyer and aren’t a rugby nation that tend to stay down for long.
Unlike the England-Wales game, I see this being an open affair, as two teams look to batter each other before sending the ball well wide.
In Fourie Du Preez and Kahn Fotuali’i, the match involves two world-class scrum halves who keep the pace of play as high as possible.
I’m predicting an early score so will sell the time of the first South Africa try at 22-25 with Sporting Index.
Betway go 5/2 on a Springbok try being the first points on the board, and with the 2007 champions looking to make a statement, I wouldn’t be surprised if that happens.
South Africa will certainly be strong, but the 20 points that Sportingbet give them on Samoa doesn’t look enough.
With that head start in the handicap markets, I’m taking evens that the Pacific Islanders will prevail.
POINTERS
Sell time of first try 22 (Sporting Index)
South Africa try first scoring play 5/2 (Betway)
Samoa +20 EVS (Sportingbet)