Couch Critic previews Friday's Rugby World Cup Pool B clash between South Africa and Italy with best bets from @Olimp_SA
The Springboks put 50 past Namibia but that result would have come as little consolation for the All Black loss. Hammering your hapless neighbour with both playing B teams is rather irrelevant and quite possibly the complete opposite of what this tournament is about. But on Friday we get to sink our teeth into a real pre-quarter-final eliminator. Rassie looks to his first-choice outfit to do the business over Italy and secure a ticket to the knockouts. The loss to the All Blacks means the safety net has well and truly been removed – any further slip-ups from the Boks will be fatal. Here’s how I see things panning out in Shizuoka on Friday.
South Africa vs Italy, Friday 04 October @ 11:45 (Shizuoka)
What you need to know
A Man of the Match performance against Namibia sees Lood de Jager force his way into the starting fifteen whilst the coach has also opted to bring Beast and Bongi. One name missing from the bench that did duty against New Zealand is the unfortunate Jesse Kriel who has had to leave the World Cup due to injury – in his absence SA have gone for a 6/2 split on their bench in favour of forwards.
Italy were efficient enough in putting Namibia away in their opening fixture and repeated the dose as they also ran in seven tries against Canada. The Italians have looked in decent form, with their loose forwards looking particularly impressive, but the men in green and gold will be their first proper test.
From the 14 meetings between these sides Italy have only managed a solitary victory (in 2016).
How I see it panning out
Some are of the opinion that this challenge at hand could be far greater for the Springboks than most believe. I reckon the Italians are playing some decent rugby with their loosies in particular in devastating form at present. The Azzurri will fight tooth and nail, especially early on but in the end the South Africans will get the job done with a bit of room to spare. Handicaps have been really well set thus far and a mid-twenties handicap seems about right.
To try and make some money from this game I will look at the Italians to stay within the half time handicap as my main play. Whilst a tough challenge means the Boks will take the points when they get the chance – thus I fancy the green and gold to start the scoring with a penalty. Of course, no Couch Critic preview is complete without adding some action on the hookers involved in the clash.
Betolimp Best Bet: Italy to stay within the half-time handicap +12.5 points at 1.80
Special Play 1: First Scoring Play – South Africa Penalty @ 3.80
Special Play 2: Mbonambi to score a try and South Africa to win by 21-25 points @ 17.00
Special Play 3: Last Tryscorer – Malcolm Marx @ 11.00
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
Couch Critic
