South Africa v British & Irish Lions – 4 Bets To Take

The weekend many Springbok fans have been waiting has arrived as South Africa host the British and Irish Lions on Saturday in Cape Town. The host’s preparation has been ravaged by Covid-19 and has been far from ideal. The Lions meanwhile have breezed through their tour matches although they stumbled against a powerful South Africa ‘A’ side.

We preview both teams and provide four bets to take on Saturday.

South Africa

The Boks have only played one Test since clinching their third World Cup title in 2019, and it was 40-9 win over Georgia earlier this month. However, a South Africa ‘A’ team loaded with World Cup winning Boks beat the B & I Lions 17-13. This would give them confidence because their first-half intensity was the biggest highlight.

Bok coach Jaques Nienaber has picked a World Cup winning backline but it is in the forward pack where he has taken some risks. A starting front row of Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi and Trevor Nyakane will be tested but the Boks also have powerful bench to follow them in the hope that starters soften up the Lions. Kwagga Smith will deputise for the injured Duane Vermeulen at number 8.

The Boks will no doubt come out firing, one wonders if their conditioning will be up to standard considering the lack of game time for most players.

British and Irish Lions

The Lions have won five matches in six on tour so far, but truth be told they were hardly tested besides the one match. A loss against a loaded South Africa ‘A’ side served as a reminder of the hosts’ depth and the fight that is expected of the Lions.

The Lions have been boosted by the return of captain Alun Wyn Jones, he will lead the team after recovering from a dislocated shoulder. Interestingly, Warren Gatland went for form over pedigree with hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie and number eight Jack Conan picked over Jamie George and Toby Faletau.

Also, Elliot Daly is picked at outside centre – his preferred position where he has only started once for England – to forge a midfield partnership with Robbie Henshaw. Duhan van Der Merwe has tormented defences all tour and was rewarded with a start, his battle with Kolbe is a must-see.

Gatland has selected a powerful bench with the likes of prop Mako Vunipola, England captain Owen Farrell, Hamish Watson, Kyle SInckeler and Connor Murray.

Suggested Bets and Value Bets

Suggested Bet: British Lions to win at 1.90

We reckon the Lions’ conditioning, better preparation (or Boks’ lack of prep) and their powerful bench will come through in the second half.

Value Bet: British Lions to win by 1-12 at 2.60

For some more value, we reckon the Lions by 1-12. There is no doubt this match will be closely fought… it is hard to think of any side running away with it.

Suggested Bet: Under 3.5 tries at 2.00

Suggested Bet: Under 41.5 points at 1.82