South Africa and Australia Set for Thrilling Second Test in Perth
As the Rugby Championship continues, all eyes are on the upcoming clash between South Africa and Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday, August 17, 2024. After the Springboks’ dominant 33-7 victory in Brisbane on August 10, the Wallabies will be eager to bounce back in front of their home crowd.
Current Betting Odds
According to Betway, South Africa is strongly favoured to win, with odds of 1.19 compared to Australia’s 5.60. Here are some of the Odds:
Winning Odds:
- South Africa: 1.19 (Bet R100 to win R119)
- Australia: 5.60 (Bet R100 to win R560)
Halftime/fulltime odds:
- Australia/Australia: 7.60 (Bet R100 to win R760)
- Australia/South Africa: 5.80 (Bet R100 to win R580)
- South Africa/Australia: 19.00 (Bet R100 to win R190)
- South Africa/South Africa: 1.43 (Bet R100 to win R143)
- South Africa/Draw: 60.00 (Bet R100 to win R6,000)
Winning Margin Odds:
- South Africa by 15+: 2.21 (Bet R100 to win R221)
- South Africa by 8-14: 3.55 (Bet R100 to win R355)
- Australia by 1-7: 4.2 (Bet R100 to win R420)
* All odds above were odds available at the time the article was written
View all the available odds and place your lucky picks on Betway now!
Key Factors Influencing the Odds
Team Selection: The Springboks have overhauled their lineup, keeping only five players from their last match. Rising stars like Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Elrigh Louw keep their spots, while seasoned players like Pieter-Steph du Toit shift roles to balance the team. Even though it might look like a weaker side, this squad closely resembles the one that crushed Portugal 64-21 in July.
Outdated Historical Data: Australia’s strong Perth record might not mean much, as they haven’t played there since 2017. Current form and strategy are more important now.
Home Advantage: Australia usually does well in Perth, but with a large South African community there, the home-field edge might be less of a factor this time around.
Depth and Strategy: Coach Rassie Erasmus is building for the future, testing younger players while resting regulars. This is risky but could pay off if the new lineup builds on their success from Brisbane.
Expert Predictions
Rugby analysts are leaning heavily towards a Springboks win. ESPN predicts a 10-point victory for South Africa, while others are calling it by 12 points. A poll from Planet Rugby shows that 84% of fans are backing the Springboks, with only 16% believing Australia can pull off an upset. Although the Springboks have made several changes to their lineup, experts think their depth and recent form will carry them through to a solid win in Perth.
Conclusion
With the Springboks heavily favoured but making significant changes to their squad, this match could go either way. Whether Australia can turn the tide and secure a win on home soil, or if South Africa will continue their dominance, remains to be seen. Bettors and fans alike should prepare for an exciting game as these two rugby giants face off once again.
I’m going with the following odds on Betway:
South Africa to by 8-14 points: 3.55 (Bet R100 to win R355)
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Date: Saturday 17 August 2024
Kick-off: 11:45 SAST
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Luke Pearce (England), Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
TMO: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)
Springbok Team: 1. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 2. Johan Grobbelaar, 3. Thomas du Toit, 4. Salmaan Moerat, 5. Ruan Nortje, 6. Marco van Staden, 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8. Elrigh Louw, 9. Morne van den Berg, 10. Sacha Feinberg-Mnomezulu, 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 12. Lukhanyo Am, 13. Jesse Kriel, 14. Cheslin Kolbe, 15. Aphelele Fassi
Replacements: 16. Malcolm Marx, 17. Ox Nche, 18. Vincent Koch, 19. Eben Etzebeth, 20. Kwagga Smith, 21. Grant Williams, 22. Manie Libbok, 23. Handré Pollard