South Africa VS New Zealand Location: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
South Africa VS New Zealand Date: Saturday, September 7
BetXchange South Africa VS New Zealand Odds:
History
South Africa and New Zealand meet for the second time in eight days for their second encounter of the 2024 Rugby Championship. The Springboks are 1/2 favorites in Cape Town after squeaking past their old enemy 31-27 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg last Saturday. There is no reason to assume that this one will be anything other than just as tight, with the hosts aiming to all but seal the Rugby Championship crown before heading to Argentina for the final two rounds of fixtures.
South Africa left it late to knock off New Zealand in Round 3, once again showing that the power of their bench can alter the outcome of matches. New Zealand scored four tries to just three for the Boks, but the boot of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was the difference maker. He slotted four of five penalties and two of his three conversions, while New Zealand counterpart Damian McKenzie missed two of his four conversion attempts.
Late tries from Kwagga Smith and Grant Williams helped take the Springboks from 27-17 behind to win by four points.
South Africa
South Africa has every chance of winning this game and covering the 5.5-point handicap if they can use their renowned passion and physicality against the All Blacks. The team has certainly looked more creative and expansive in this new World Cup cycle, but the power of the Bomb Squad gives South Africa an extra boost of strength late on in every game.
There are two significant changes in the Boks’ backline. The first sees Feinberg-Mngomezulu drop to the bench, with the vastly experienced Handre Pollard in the No. 10 jumper. The other big return is at fullback, where Willie le Roux brings his years of knowledge to the position. Eben Etzebeth returns to the side at lock, with Pieter Stepj du Toit flexing out to flanker.
New Zealand
New Zealand must find a way to finish stronger if they want to win this weekend. Head coach Scott Robinson lamented the chances his side gave away to the Springboks in the defeat, especially the number of times they created scoring opportunities with mistakes inside their own 22.
Wallace Sititi gets his first All Blacks start at the young age of 21 as he replaces Ethan Blackadder in the starting lineup. There are also significant changes in their backline, with Will Jordan moving to fullback from the wing and Beauden Barrett dropping to the bench. Cortez Ratime replaces TJ Perenara as scrum-half, with New Zealand seemingly still searching for the answer to fill that Aaron Smith-shaped void.
Best Bets
South Africa will win again here. THe question is whether or not they can cover the 5.5 points. Expect New Zealand to go hard again early, knowing they have to have a lead by halftime against a South African team that consistently finishes strongly. I think they will manage to go into the break with the lead, losing by no more than four points.
