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There`s Everything to fight for in the Rugby World Cup Pool B, with the winner of this match likely to finish first in the group – while the loser will have the first chance to finish second, but could very well end up being knocked out of the competition. Samoa, Japan and USA are also in this group. Scotland is expected to enjoy big crowd support in Newcastle.
South Africa bounced back in brilliant fashion after being shocked by Japan. The Springboks came into the next match against Samoa (46-6) with a totally different attitude, focus and gameplan, showcasing a much wider array of styles and having much more than just a “Plan A”, like they did when they underestimated Japan. I backed the Springboks to win this Rugby World Cup and despite starting in horrible fashion, they have fully recovered and will aim a bonus point win today in order to virtually secure a first place finish in the group.
Scotland has underperformed big time in the last few years, fighting it out with Italy for the wooden spoon in the Six Nations and finishing last on a number of occasions – including this year. But they seem to be improving under coach Vern Cotter. They definitely did not deserve to finish last in the Six Nations this year, playing close matches against all the top nations and so far have impressed in this World Cup, winning by 35 points over Japan and by 23 over the USA. However, it has to be said that Japan collapsed physically, as they were just 4 days after the win against South Africa. Also, USA is the weakest team in the group and the Scots should actually be a bit worried that they allowed 16 points in that match.
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Team news & lineups:
South Africa misses captain Jean de Villiers and vice-captain Victor Matfield, which will be a blow, but the Springboks have adequate cover.
South Africa: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Fourie du Preez (c), 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Scotland: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Tommy Seymour, 13 Richie Vernon, 12 Peter Horne, 11 Tim Visser, 10 Duncan Weir, 9 Greig Laidlaw (c), 8 Dave Denton, 7 Blair Cowan, 6 Josh Strauss, 5 Jonny Gray, 4 Richie Gray, 3 WP Nel, 2 Fraser Brown, 1 Gordon Reid.
South Africa won all 4 previous meetings against Scotlan. The last two, in 2013 and 2014 respectively, were by 28 and 49 points (with Scotland fielding a weakened side in the latter). The Scots never beat the Springboks outside Scotland, but they will enjoy massive support today, with Newcastle close to the Scottish border.
Can`t see what Scotland could do today. They are a very competent side on the wings, but South Africa can surely match them in that department. On the other hand, South Africa is set to obliterate Scotland in the scrum and forward game. The recent H2H record is not a surprise, as the Scots don`t have a very good match-up against this South Africa team.
Scotland is on a good patch, but they are far from regaining their former glory. They had one of the easiest starts in this tournament and benefited from circumstances as well. This is the first time they will be tested and I expect South Africa to be way too strong. A comfortable home win for the Springboks is what I believe will happen and my tip is South Africa to cover the 13,5 handicap. Prediction: South Africa – Scotland 34-15.
Pick: South Africa -13,5
Odds: 1.81 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 6.48
Event date: 3 October
