World Cup holders South Africa are beginning to get on a run
of form and should be aiming to send Samoa home in style on Friday.
The Islanders must beat South Africa to reach the knock out stages
but given the state of the pool a win over the Springboks might not be enough
to see the Samoans progress as their opponents only need a bonus point to
secure qualification for the last eight, while Wales hold the head to head advantage
based on their win over Samoa.
That defeat came only 3 days after the Samoans opening game – A contentious topic for their team in
more than one way since –but they still face a very uphill task here against
the Boks.
South Africa got a great slice of luck when beating Wales
but they have since improved from that, with a 49-3 thrashing of Fiji particularly
impressive, with the opponents unable to get points on the board in the second
half – While Nambia couldn’t do so throughout the whole game.
Samoa were 20 points better than Fiji on Sunday, which
equates to an artificial superiority of about 20 points at least, so the
handicap of 17 is understandable on that basis. The half time handicap of 8
points is also tempting too – South Africa have been ahead at the break in
their last 5 games, including the Tri Nations deciders against Australia and
New Zealand. Samoa are a smart team but the clear class edge could tell early.
Team news sees Bismarck du Plessis, believed by many to be
the best hooker in the world, get his chance ahead of the under fire John Smit,
while the return of Victor Matfield for the injured Bakkies Botha in the
second-row will please many; Botha is a loss but Matfield is one of South
Africa’s finest players.
Advice
2 pts South Africa 7.5 on 1st half* handicap (5/6
Betfred)
*Handicap is “no draw” – So SA must be leading by more than
8 points
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