OutrightRugby

Sharks v Bulls Super Rugby preview

Outright Rugby — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:51:29 +0000

Continuing Super 15′s super round 15 the Sharks hosts the Bulls in what promises a derby of the highest order.

Venu: Kings Park Stadium, Durban.

Kick-off: Sat 25 May: 19:10 (Local)

Sun 26 May Aus 03:10 (Syd)

Sun 26 May NZ 05:10 (Auck).

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan

Weather: Warm with clear skies.

Sharks: To be announced.

Bulls: 15. Jurgen Visser, 14. Akona Ndungane, 13. JJ Engelbrecht, 12. Wynand Olivier, 11. Bjorn Basson, 10. Morne Steyn, 9. Francois Hougaard, 8. Pierre Spies (c), 7. Dewald Potgieter, 6. Deon Stegmann, 5. Juandre Kruger, 4. Flip van der Merwe, 3. Werner Kruger, 2. Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1. Dean Greyling. Bench: 16. Willie Wepener, 17. Frik Kirsten, 18. Grant Hattingh, 19. Arno Botha, 20. Jano Vermaak, 21. Louis Fouche /Jan Serfontein, 22. Lionel Mapoe.

Previous results:

Sharks: Away 29 – 37 Chiefs; Tries 4:4

Away 22 – 25 Highlanders; Tries 3:3

Away 17 – 32 Reds; Tries 2:4

Away 23 – 13 Force; Tries 2:1 (most recent fixture).

Bulls: Away 34 – 0 Kings; Tries 4:0

Home 30 – 19 Waratahs; Tries 2:3

Home 48 – 14 Hurricanes; Tries 6:2

Home 35 – 18 Highlanders; Tries 4:2 (most recent fixture).

Breaking their worst run since the beginning of 2010 the Sharks defeated the Force in their last match on tour. Respectfully a rampant Bulls side will pose a far greater challenge this round with the hosts also now suffering a greater crisis at centre due to JP Pietersen’s injury. Conversely, coming out of the Sharks’ camp is news that they still believe the play-offs are achievable. The nature of their performance against the Bulls will be the sole indicator as to whether there is any substance to these claims.

The log lead within reach this team Bulls will be set for an all out challenge against the resilient Sharks who may have the 2007 Super Rugby final on their minds seeing this match as an opportunity to level matters should they cause the Bulls to suffer away rather than home play-off fixtures. Enjoying their game in hand, victory in round 15 would put the boys from Pretoria in the pound seats to qualify for home play-offs dramatically increasing their title prospects. Their attack has been noteworthy of late and with the luxury of so few injuries the Bulls have managed to exercise a rotation policy which will be absolutely crucial when it comes to the semis.

Outright: 10/11 v.s 11/10

Handicap: -1 v.s +1

Prediction: Following the Sharks team announcement.

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Stormers v Reds Super Rugby preview

Outright Rugby — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:29:29 +0000

Continuing the bill of massive round 15 clashes the Stormers host visitors Reds in their third consecutive match against South African opposition.

Venu: Newlands Stadium, Cape Town.

Kick-off: Sat 25 May: 17:05 (Local)

Sun 26 May Aus 01:05 (Syd)

Sun 26 May NZ 03:05 (Auck).

Referee: Jaco Peyper

Weather: Overcast and warm with a moderate breeze.

Stormers: 15. Joe Pietersen, 14. Gio Aplon, 13. Jean de Villiers (c), 12. Damian de Allende, 11. Bryan Habana, 10. Elton Jantjies, 9. Louis Schreuder, 8. Nizaam Carr, 7. Don Armand, 6. Siya Kolisi, 5. Eben Etzebeth, 4. Gerbrandt Grobler, 3. Brok Harris, 2. Tiaan Liebenberg, 1. Steven Kitshoff. Bench: 16. Martin Bezuidenhout, 17. Chris Heiberg, 18. Marius Coetzer, 19. Rohan Kitshoff, 20. Dewaldt Duvenage, 21. Gary van Aswegen, 22. Gerhard van den Heever

Reds: To follow

Previous results:

Stormers: Away 18 – 16 Hurricanes; Tries 2:2

Away 17 – 18 Blues; Tries 2:0

Away 15 – 21 Waratahs; Tries 0:2

Away 21 – 30 Rebels; Tries 3:3 (most recent fixture).

Reds: Home 12 – 11 Blues: Tries 0:1

Away 11 – 11 Force; Tries 1:1

Home 32 – 17 Sharks; Tries 4:2

Away 13 – 27 Cheetahs; Tries 1:2 (most recent fixture).

Round 14 was a nightmare for the boys from the Cape. They incorrectly turned down easy points at goal, time and again, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Enough said. On a run of narrow losses they will be hoping that home ground advantage can get them over the line in what is beginning to err towards a desperate season. The great news of Tiaan Liebenberg’s return to action is marred by an epidemic of injuries from round 14 (bearing 2012 in mind we must begin to ask how good the Stormers’ fitness plan is?)

The Reds were outplayed by an ultra-committed Cheetahs outfit last time out breaking their run of 7 undefeated performances. Bearing games played in mind the Queenslanders must win if they are to prevent the Brumbies from running away with the Aussie conference. They are looking sharp and should the bounce of the ball go their way, will pose a massive challenge to the down-trodden Stormers.

Outright: 8/11 v.s 11/8

Handicap: -2 v.s +2

Prediction: Following the Reds team announcement.

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Kings v Cheetahs Super Rugby preview

Outright Rugby — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:35:28 +0000

At a poor mid-afternoon kick-off time the Kings will take on the visiting Cheetahs in possibly sweltering conditions. As is the case in most of round 15′s matches both sides have huge incentive to get a result. A win for the Kings will remove them from the wooden spoon race altogether whist a positive result for the boys from Bloem is an absolute must if they are to keep pace with sides in the 5th and 6th play-off spots, currently boasting more log points and a game in hand.

Venu: Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth.

Kick-off: Sat 25 May: 15:00 (Local)

Sat 25 May Aus 23:00 (Syd)

Sun 26 May NZ 01:00.

Referee: Stuart Berry

Weather: Hot, partly cloudy and breezy. (The players are unlikely to enjoy this early kick-off time due to the heat)

Southern Kings: 15. SP Marais, 14. Marcello Sampson, 13. Ronnie Cooke, 12. Andries Strauss, 11. Siyanda Grey, 10. Demetri Catrakilis, 9. Shaun Venter, 8. Cornell du Preez, 7. Luke Watson (c), 6. Wimpie van der Walt, 5. Steven Sykes, 4. David Bulbring, 3. Kevin Buys, 2. Bandise Maku, 1. Schalk Ferreira. Bench: 16. Virgile Lacombe, 17. Grant Kemp, 18. Rynier Bernardo, 19. Jacques Engelbrecht, 20. Nicolas Vergallo, 21. Shane Gates, 22. George Whitehead.

Cheetahs: 15. Hennie Daniller, 14. Ryno Benjamin, 13. Johan Sadie, 12. Robert Ebersohn, 11. Willie le Roux, 10. Elgar Watts, 9. Piet van Zyl, 8. Phillip van der Walt, 7. Lappies Labushagne, 6. Heinrich Brussow, 5. Francois Uys, 4. Lodewyk de Jager, 3. Lourens Adriaanse, 2. Adriaan Strauss (c), 1. Coenie Oosthuisen. Bench: 16. Ryno Barnes, 17. Trevor Nyakane, 18. Ligtoring Landman, 19. Boom Prinsloo, 20. Sarel Pretorius, 21. Riaan Smit, 22. Raymond Rhule.

Previous results:

Kings: Home 0 – 34 Bulls; Tries 0:4

Away 12 – 26 Cheetahs; Tries 0:3

Home 10 – 72 Waratahs; Tries 1:11

Home 34 – 27 Highlanders; Tries 4:4 (most recent fixture).

Cheetahs: Away 12 – 6 Sharks; Tries 2:0

Home 26 – 12 Kings; Tries 3:0

Home 34 – 39 Hurricanes; Tries 3:4

Home 27 – 13 Reds; Tries 2:1 (most recent fixture).

As recently stated it’s time for the boys from P.E to kick on. They are yet to defeat a South African Super Rugby side with their 9 point round 4 loss to the Sharks being their biggest sniff of an opportunity. Conceding a high number of tries of late the Kings will have to do their utmost taking advantage of an almost fully available squad to rattle the Cheetahs’ cage.

Travelling to P.E on the back of two stellar performances the Cheetahs will be out for nothing but a 5 log point win having lost ground in their defeat at the hands of the Hurricanes. Their attack is on song and, coming off a recent bye, the visitors will likely up the tempo of the match to the highest possible level aiming to burn-out their coastal opponents (being more used to day time heat) in the hot conditions. Expect a text-book late 1990′s South African derby display with numerous frantic dashes around the 22 on attack, many kick and chases into the corners of the goal area and free running counter attacking rugby when returning in-field clearance kicks.

Outright: 15/4 v.s 4/15

Handicap: +8 v.s -8

Prediction: Cheetahs to pull out all the stops.

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Wallabies’ answer to the Lions

Outright Rugby — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:19:02 +0000

Australian rugby journalist James Thorpe

Golden 10

The return of ‘JOC’ to the playmaker position will bring back attacking footy at test level.

Anyone who saw James O’Connor run the perfect ‘unders line’ off Drew Mitchell against the Springboks in Bloemfontein two years ago will recognise that the spatial awareness of this player is second to none. Watch him closely as he takes a quick throw from the sideline after another monstrous defensive zone punt from Morne Steyn (did anyone say predictable exit play!) and his subsequent off-the-ball work as Giteau and Mitchell do a midfield switch, holding the defence and allowing for O’Connor to explode through the smallest half-gap. Within nanoseconds ‘JOC’ was metres from the try line and simply flicked a perfectly timed ‘league ball’ (flat end over end chest pass) which had Rocky Elsom over for another five pointer.

This wasn’t the first nor the last time footy fans from around the globe got a glimpse of tight passing, short and sharp footwork and flat, square hip attack lines from this talented player maker all made possible through his immense vision. He is a guru and will expose the Lions as lumbering and one dimensional come June. There are three key aspects to the success of JOC. He is a consistent performer at test level, plays a brand which allows other players to flourish and he has a balanced array of skills.

O’Connor has followed a similar path into the playmaker role as all-time legend Steve Larkham did. Whereas Larkham moved from fullback to fly half, JOC has played out wide (on the wing primarily), fleetingly at the back and is definitely raw at test level in the position of fly half. Many critics are pointing to O’Connor’s lack of experience as a major weakness. This cannot be ignored as all of the ‘great’ teams of the past have consistently had brilliant fly halves. However JOC is not an unreliable rogue maverick on the field in the same way that best friend and fellow ‘three amigo’ member Kurtly Beale is off it. He has proven that he can perform in all conditions, home and away and at the highest level. In fact, one would be hard-pressed to find a match where O’Connor has not featured prominently. Deans has wanted JOC in the Quarterback role since his one off obliteration of Wales at the end of 2011 in Cardiff. Were it not for recent injury concerns that master plan would not have been sidelined. Deans wants a consistent performer and JOC will provide that solidarity a desperate coach requires.

Furthermore, JOC plays very square to the advantage line meaning his initial movement is hard pressed at the imaginary gain line. In many ways he uses his league background here to commit the initial defenders and preserve space out wide. He is in no way lateral and this will be vital with athletes like Izzy Folau on the end of most plays. JOC also possess an incredibly accurate short game meaning players who run tight lines off O’Connor will often find themselves sliding through holes (particularly forwards). His work rate off-the-ball is immense and those second touches, almost Mark-Ella-like, will be crucial come test time. Deans’ major concern with Quade Cooper has been his inability to consistently dominate at test level. Primarily this is because defences at test level don’t allow as much time and space, being far more precise and aggressive. Coopers failings are also largely due to the simple fact that the quality of opponents from one to fifteen is a step up on those playing Super Rugby. Deans has clearly decided that his investment leading into World Cup 2011, post the Reds Super Rugby Championship, did not pay the dividends he was looking for. His decision to leave QC out is brave and needed to be done to preserve team culture while respecting the Wallabies’ culture. QC has always admired ‘King’ Carlos Spencer and like his boyhood hero has proven to be nothing more than a one-hit-Super-Rugby-wonder.

It will be vital that Deans compliments JOC with a balanced combination of players on his outside. Genia provides absolute x-factor and will be the difference between the Lions and the Wallabies but will need the back line to fire to do so. Deans and his management could have beaten the Lions with a back line of Genia, Cooper, Ioane (11), Lealifano, AAC, Folau (14/15) and JOC (15/14) with absolute ease… in fact it could have been three nil with plenty of attractive tries. However Deans is looking post-Lions and his showdown with Ewen Mackenzie is now getting very political. Pick QC and win and it cements Ewen Mackenzie as the next Wallabies coach. Tell the Reds (via the media) that QC needs to defend in the front-line, that he is stifling the attack and Deans can choose his own path. Deans has now pinned his career on JOC and this magician needs to step up and have a crack. He is a true blue confident Aussie footballer and will certainly rise to the occasion. Watch out Lions because the Wallabies are back!

Thanks to greenandgoldrugby for the use of this footage.

Force v Highlanders Super Rugby preview

Outright Rugby — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:20:23 +0000

Having lost to the Kings, visitors Highlanders have one more shot at avoiding the Super Rugby 2013 wooden spoon should they defeat the Force who pushed both the Reds and Chiefs close in recent outings.

Venu: NIB Stadium, Perth.

Kick-off: Sat 25 May: 17:40 (Local)

Sat 25 May NZ 21:40 (Auck)

Sat 25 May RSA 11:40.

Referee: Andrew Lees (our lowest rated Super Rugby referee on 2013 performances)

Weather: Partly cloudy and warm with a moderate breeze.

Force: To follow

Highlanders: To follow

Previous results:

Force: Away 7 – 41 Brumbies; Tries 1:6

Home 11 – 11 Reds; Tries 1:1

Away 21 – 22 Chiefs; Tries 2:1

Home 13 – 23 Sharks; Tries 1:2 (most recent result).

Highlanders: Away 8 – 24 Crusaders; Tries 1:2

Home 25 – 22 Sharks; Tries 3:3

Away 27 – 34 Kings; Tries 4:4

Away 18 – 35 Bulls; Tries 2:4 (most recent result).

With their average result a loss by 7 points the Force have endured 2013 in a similar manner to the Cheetahs of 2012 with many very narrow losses punctuated by rare victories. This fact suggests that they should fair well against bottom of the table Highlanders yet we must account for the Highlanders players who have returned from injury throughout the course of the season, strengthening their side far beyond what their log position suggests.

Impressively the Highlanders toppled a Sharks side boasting one of the tournament’s strongest packs irrespective of injuries. They then pushed the Kings close yet were no match for a Bulls side that few teams are managing to go toe to toe with. Expect a massive performance from the South Islanders buoyed by fielding undoubtedly their strongest match day 22 of 2013 thus far. A match likely to go to the side that wants it more and has greater belief.

Outright: 3/4 v.s 4/3

Handicap: -2 v.s +2

Prediction: Following the team announcements.

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Blues v Brumbies Super Rugby preview

Outright Rugby — Wed, 22 May 2013 06:51:21 +0000

One of the more anticipated fixtures of the brilliantly billed Super Rugby round 15 the Blues host a Brumbies side that will feel their title hopes beginning to slip away.

Venu: Eden Park, Auckland.

Kick-off: Sat 25 May: 19:35 (Local)

Sat 25 May Aus 17:35 (Syd)

Sat 25 May RSA 09:35.

Referee: Lourens van der Merwe

Weather: Cold and overcast with rainfall likely.

Blues: 15. Charles Piutau, 14. Frank Halai, 13. Rene Ranger, 12. Francis Saili, 11. George Moala, 10. Chris Noakes, 9. Piri Weepu, 8. Peter Saili, 7. Luke Braid, 6. Brendon O’Connor, 5. Ali Williams, 4. Culum Retallick, 3. Angus Ta’avao / Sam Prattley, 2. Keven Mealamu, 1. Tim Perry. Bench: 16. James Parsons, 17. Sam Prattley / Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18. Anthony Boric, 19. Kane Barrett, 20. Jamison Gibson-Park, 21. Baden Kerr, 22. Jackson Willison

Brumbies: 15. Jesse Mogg, 14. Henry Speight, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Joe Tomane, 10. Matt Toomua, 9. Nic White, 8. Ben Mowen (c), 7. Colby Faingaa, 6. Peter Kimlin, 5. Sam Carter, 4. Scott Fardy, 3. Ben Alexander, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Scott Sio. Bench: 16. Siliva Siliva, 17. Ruan Smith, 18. Fotu Auelua, 19. Jordan Smiler, 20. Ian Prior, 21. Robbie Coleman, 22. Clyde Rathbone.

Previous results:

Blues: Away 11 – 12 Reds; Tries 1:0

Home 18 – 17 Stormers; Tries 0:2

Home 36 – 32 Rebels; Tries 6:5

Away 3 – 23 Crusaders; Tries 0:2 (most recent fixture).

Brumbies: Away 19 – 19 Reds; Tries 1:3

Home 41 – 7 Force; Tries 6:1

Home 23 – 30 Crusaders; Tries 2:3

Away 22 – 28 Waratahs; Tries 2:3 (most recent fixture).

Leap years of improvement have taken place since Super 15 2012 in the Blues camp. Unfortunately this far stronger side has failed to achieve consistency losing roughly half of their fixtures this season. Fighting valiantly they could not keep pace with the Saders’ massive fire-power in their last time out. The majority of their losses have been to sides currently in the top 6 spots on the log which will give them heart going into this make or break challenge against the Brumbies.

Making for an intriguing match the Brumbies who are on the slide and without any renowned fetcher having lost star players David Pocock and George Smith will still fancy their chances as both the lower placed Reds and Crusaders recently toppled the Blues. In terms of form lines this could well prove a ding dong battle which the Brumbies will feel they have to win as the Reds are now breathing down their necks.

Outright: 8/11 v.s 11/8

Handicap: -3 v.s +3

Prediction: Brumbies with a three point head start to get over the line.

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Rebels v Waratahs Super Rugby preview

Outright Rugby — Wed, 22 May 2013 06:44:34 +0000

In the second of round 15′s matches the Rebels host a red hot Waratahs side in an Aussie derby certain to entertain.

Venu: AAMI Park, Melbourne.

Kick-off: Fri 24 May: 19:40 (Local)

Fri 24 May NZ 21:40 (Auck)

Fri 24 May RSA 11:40.

Referee: Garratt Williamson

Weather: Cold with clear skies. Possibility of dew.

Rebels: 15. Jason Woodward, 14. Tom English, 13. Mitch Inman, 12. Rory Sidey, 11. Lachlan Mitchell, 10. Bryce Hegarty, 9. Nick Phipps, 8. Scott Higginbotham (c), 7. Scott Fuglistaller, 6. Jarrod Saffy, 5. Luke Jones, 4. Hugh Pyle, 3. Laurie Weeks, 2. Ged Robinson, 1. Nic Henderson. Bench: 16. Shota Horie, 17. Paul Alo-Emile, 18. Cadeyrn Neville, 19. Gareth Delve, 20. Nic Stirzaker, 21. James Hilgendorf, 22. Kimami Sitauti.

Waratahs: 15. Israel Folau, 14. Peter Betham, 13. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12. Berrick Barnes, 11. Drew Mitchell, 10. Bernard Foley, 9. Matt Lucas, 8. Wycliff Palu, 7. Michael Hooper, 6. Dave Dennis (c), 5. Kane Douglas, 4. Sitaleki Timani, 3. Sekope Kepu, 2. John Ulugia, 1. Benn Robinson. Bench: 16. Luke Holmes, 17. Paddy Ryan, 18. Will Skelton, 19. Mitchell Chapman, 20. Brendan McKibbin, 21. Rob Horne, 22. Tom Kingston.

Previous results:

Rebels: Away 26 – 30 Crusaders; Tries 3:2

Home 33 – 39 Chiefs; Tries 5:6

Away 32 – 36 Blues; Tries 5:6

Home 30 – 21 Stormers; Tries 3:3 (most recent fixture).

Waratahs: Away 19 – 30 Bulls; Tries 3:2

Away 72 – 10 Kings; Tries 11:1

Home 21 – 15 Stormers; Tries 2:0

Home 28 – 22 Brumbies; Tries 3:2 (most recent fixture).

On the verge of clicking the Rebels narrowly lost to 3 sides who are currently camped in the top 6 on the log before edging a victory over the Stormers who were guilty of under-estimating their opponents. Little would please the Melbourners more than to put an end to the Tahs’ play-off hopes whilst mathematically ensuring the wooden spoon was out of reach with a victory on Friday. Their side is much the same as it was last week with one major change a fly half as Bryce Hegarty comes in for the injured James O’Connor.

On a run of 3 consecutive wins the Tahs will be beginning to believe that they can sneak into the play-offs especially bearing in mind the calibre of player at their disposal. They have won 6 of their last 8 fixtures, only bettered by the Saders (7/9) and Cheetahs (8/10). Impressively they have only conceded two 4 try bonus points thus far this season as opposed to the Rebels’ 5. Will this match prove to be a high-scoring affair? Or will they maintain their great recent defensive record? In terms of their match day 22 Tatafu Polota-Nau is a loss but otherwise there’s nothing wrong with their side.

Outright: 5/2 v.s 2/5

Handicap: +6 v.s -6

Prediction: Waratahs to win.

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Chiefs v Crusaders Super Rugby preview

Outright Rugby — Wed, 22 May 2013 06:38:27 +0000

Our Super Rugby recap mentioned how the log has not been tighter since the beginning of the tournament which, fantastically for viewers, coincides with possibly the best round of fixtures of the competition thus far!

Getting things under way the Chiefs host a Crusaders side who must win if they are to have any chance of topping the log. Steve Walsh is in charge and we can only hope that he has no influence on the result.

Venu: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton.

Kick-off: Fri 24 May: 19:35 (Local)

Fri 24 May Aus 17:35 (Syd)

Fri 24 May RSA 09:35.

Referee: Steve Walsh

Weather: Cold with clear skies.

Chiefs: 15. Robbie Robinson, 14. Patrick Osborne, 13. Charlie Ngatai, 12. Bundee Aki, 11. Asaeli Tikoirotuma , 10. Aaron Cruden, 9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8. Matt Vant Leven, 7. Tanerau Latimer, 6. Liam Messam, 5. Brodie Retallick , 4. Craig Clarke (c), 3. Ben Tameifuna, 2. Hika Elliot, 1. Pauliasi Manu. Bench: 16.Mahonri Schwalger, 17.Toby Smith, 18.Michael Fitzgerald, 19.Sam Cane, 20.Augustine Pulu, 21.Dan Waenga, 22.Lelia Masaga.

Crusaders: 15. Israel Dagg, 14. Tom Marshall, 13. Ryan Crotty, 12. Tom Taylor, 11. Zac Guildford, 10. Dan Carter, 9. Andy Ellis, 8. Kieran Read (c), 7. Matt Todd, 6. George Whitelock, 5. Sam Whitelock, 4. Luke Romano, 3. Nepo Laulala, 2. Codie Taylor, 1. Wyatt Crockett. Bench: 16. Ben Funnell /Laurence Corlett, 17. Joe Moody, 18. Dominic Bird, 19. Luke Whitelock, 20. Willi Heinz, 21. Robbie Fruean, 22. Telusa Veianu.

Previous results:

Chiefs:

Home 37 – 29 Sharks; Tries 4:4

Away 39 – 33 Rebels; Tries 6:5

Home 22 – 21 Force; Tries 1:2

Away 17 – 12 Hurricanes; Tries 1:0 (most recent fixture).

Crusaders: Home 24 – 8 Highlanders; Tries 2:1

Home 30 – 26 Rebels; Tries 2:3

Away 30 – 23 Brumbies; Tries 3:2

Home 23 – 3 Blues; Tries 2:0 (most recent fixture).

Hosts Chiefs will see this match as an massive opportunity of shutting the door on their 2012 semi final opponents the Crusaders (20 – 17). Showing championship quality the Chiefs have scraped their way out of a mid-season slump achieving 4 consecutive yet narrow wins. Compared to recent opponents the Saders will be a step up in class on current form making for a brilliant, tournament defining contest.

The boys from Christchurch are on a roll having topped two form opponents in their 4 wins on the trot. Their match against the Blues was closer than the score-line suggests which is testimony to their big match temperament seeing them home comfortably in the end. Having recently enjoyed a bye the Saders are full of running and most importantly are enjoying the services of Dan Carter who has found form faster than most would have thought possible.

Outright: 6/5 v.s 5/6

Handicap: +1 v.s -1

Prediction: Crusaders to win.

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Lions tour a punters dream part 2

Outright Rugby — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:21:00 +0000

So onto the hot off the press Lions Tour betting.

Outright winner, drawn series no bet

The British and Irish Lions	4/6
Australia	5/4

This will certainly be the most played market as it allows punters to put a stake in the sand as to their answer regarding the biggest question of all, who will win the series?

At present we’re leaning with the Lions at 4/6 simply because we believe their greater depth (than the Wallabies) will count for more than it ever has due to the amount of rugby being played these days. Don’t be surprised however if the tournament comes down to the final movement!!!!

Test series correct score market

For punters with a greater feel of the game this market offers better value than the Outright winners market.

Australia 3-0	11/2
Australia 2-1	12/5
British & Irish Lions 3-0	100/30
British & Irish Lions 2-1	9/5
Any Other Score	15/2

4 of the last 5 series were won by a margin of 2 – 1 with only one 3 – 0 whitewash which the Kiwis achieved in 2005.

Accurately breaking the series down is near impossible. In the first test the Lions will be fielding their match day side against an opponent far different in dynamic from the Super Rugby franchises which they warmed up against and this time with the whole world watching. This will provide the first true examination of their playing combinations without easily exploitable weaknesses to target their game plan at.

Due to the calibre of both sides anything is possible but we expect the series to be decided in the final match rather than the second as closing a series off (2 – 0) with a game in hand against an opponent that has everything to lose is incredibly difficult. Should there be a draw (any other score at 15/2) most punters will do their money as the draw in rugby comes with the stigma of playing 0/Green on a roulette table.

Traditionally the 3rd test has proved the Lions’ Achilles heel only having won it once (of 5) in a dead rubber against the Springboks in 2009. This will give the Wallabies belief that if they can win either of the first two tests then the series could well go their way. We feel however that Wallaby injuries may just get the tourists over the line in the end.

Taking all of this into account we’re going with the Lions to win the series 2 – 1 at 9/5.

Total wins in their 10 match tour market

Certainly the most entertaining of all available betting!

None	500/1
All Ten	10/1
Under 7	6/1
Exactly 7	9/4
Over 7	4/6

We must admit the thought of the Lions winning zero matches on tour did make us laugh. Please do not take that bet!

Test series handicap

An incredibly popular market in the RSA v England series!

Australia	+6 EVS
The British and Irish Lions	-6 EVS
Tie	+6 14/1

Picking the side that will fair best in the first test in Brisbane is crucial to allow a great opportunity for middling on the handicap as this market is likely to stay open and drift throughout the series.

The top tour tryscorer market

Impossible to predict pre-tour this market is for the sentimental.

Alex Cuthbert	4/1
Sean Maitland	4/1
George North	9/2
Tommy Bowe	9/2
Leigh Halfpenny	8/1
Manu Tuilagi	8/1
Stuart Hogg	10/1
Jonathan Davies	12/1
Robert Kearney	16/1
Ben Youngs	20/1
Brian O’Driscoll	20/1
Jamie Heaslip	33/1
Sean O’Brien	33/1
Tom Croft	33/1
Michael Phillips	40/1
Jonathan Sexton	50/1
Toby Faletau	50/1
Sam Warburton	66/1
Alun Wyn Jones	100/1
Dylan Hartley	100/1
Gethin Jenkins	100/1
Justin Tipuric	100/1
Richie Gray	100/1

Should the Lions steam-roll any of the Super Rugby sides then the wings or electric steppers could well be in business but our fancy at the current pricing is Michael Phillips at 40/1.

Lions Tour a spectators and punters dream part 1

Outright Rugby — Tue, 21 May 2013 07:34:35 +0000

It is commonly accepted that a British and Irish Lions tour is bigger for the players involved than even world cup rugby. Its a one in a life time opportunity for the Wallabies to stake their claim in the history books as one of one of the generations which triumphed over the touring Lions. Conversely, the Lions have made major claims that this tour to Australia will be a defining tour. A tour which instils value in the notion of the Lions through increased competition and greater success on their part as some fans are beginning to find these tournaments to be a forgone conclusion in favour of the worlds top three international sides.

The fundamentals:

Gatland was chosen to steer the Lions’ ship and boy has he put in hours over the past year to build what in his mind is an unbeatable playing squad and management team. The tour and behind the scenes stuff has been organised by management to the lengths and detail that a NASA mission would be. In short the Lions could not be more prepared. Will this be enough however?

The Wallaby players have stepped up to the occasion. With financially lucrative options of playing abroad on offer to all of the Wallabies whose contracts were to end this or last year, the majority opted to extend their Super Rugby and Wallaby contracts simply for the once in a lifetime opportunity of facing the Lions even earning half of what they would have in some cases.

The Wallabies are currently ranked 3rd in the world. As Lions tours traditionally go that’s as easy as it gets for the visitors.

There has been substantially more rugby played per year since 2011 than ever before. If you will concede that Australia generally has less depth on offer than both South Africa and New Zealand then you would also concede that these longer seasons will disadvantage them most as their smaller select group of star players are becoming worn to the bone with less cover available should key players become injured. It would not be far fetched to predict that the Wallabies are to suffer a calamity of injuries through the course of this up coming series simply due to too much time on the park over recent seasons.

The southern hemisphere contenders usually fair better than the Lions due to a number of factors. Established playing partnerships, home ground advantage (fans and their effect on refs and players), less travel fatigue and more familiarity with the stadia and climatic conditions, only having the opportunity once every 12 years (once in a career) as opposed to many of the young Lions players who know they are likely to make a second tour.

Since the dawn of the professional era here are the previous results (Lions’ victories underlined).

Date	Leg	Opponent	Result	Tries	Log P.	Venue
21 Jun 1997	1	South Africa	25-16	2:2	4-0	Newlands, Cape Town
28 Jun 1997	2	South Africa	18-15	0:3	4-1	Kings Park Stadium, Durban
05 Jul 1997	3	South Africa	16-35	1:4	0-5	Ellis Park, Johannesburg
30 Jun 2001	1	Australia	29-13	4:2	5-0	Woolloongabba, Brisbane
07 Jul 2001	2	Australia	14-35	1:3	0-4	Colonial Stadium, Melbourne
14 Jul 2001	3	Australia	23-29	2:2	1-4	Stadium Australia, Sydney
25 Jun 2005	1	New Zealand	3-21	0:2	0-4	Jade Stadium, Christchurch
02 Jul 2005	2	New Zealand	18-48	2:5	0-5	Westpac Trust, Wellington
09 Jul 2005	3	New Zealand	19-38	1:5	0-5	Eden Park, Auckland
20 Jun 2009	1	South Africa	21-26	3:2	1-4	Kings Park Stadium, Durban
27 Jun 2009	2	South Africa	25-28	1:3	1-4	Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
04 Jul 2009	3	South Africa	28-9	3:0	4-0	Ellis Park, Johannesburg

As one can see history dictates a massive challenge ahead of the tourists….

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Outright winner, drawn series no bet

The British and Irish Lions

4/6

Australia

5/4

Test series correct score market

Australia 3-0

11/2

Australia 2-1

12/5

British & Irish Lions 3-0

100/30

British & Irish Lions 2-1

9/5

Any Other Score

15/2

Total wins in their 10 match tour market

None

500/1

All Ten

10/1

Under 7

6/1

Exactly 7

9/4

Over 7

4/6

Test series handicap

Australia

+6 EVS

The British and Irish Lions

-6 EVS

Tie

+6 14/1

The top tour tryscorer market

Alex Cuthbert

4/1

Sean Maitland

4/1

George North

9/2

Tommy Bowe

9/2

Leigh Halfpenny

8/1

Manu Tuilagi

8/1

Stuart Hogg

10/1

Jonathan Davies

12/1

Robert Kearney

16/1

Ben Youngs

20/1

Brian O’Driscoll

20/1

Jamie Heaslip

33/1

Sean O’Brien

33/1

Tom Croft

33/1

Michael Phillips

40/1

Jonathan Sexton

50/1

Toby Faletau

50/1

Sam Warburton