News
Take on the Tipster
November 28 2008
The autumn international series draws to a close this weekend with the southern hemisphere sides once again proving they are poles apart on whatever the track.
First across the Grand Slam finish line were the Springboks as they ended their charge in record-breaking style to head home from Twickenham happy men.
In stark contrast, it was a dark day for England as they showed minimal initiative and know-how under the tutelage of new management...and things don't get any easier seven days on as the All Blacks are in town.
The clash at rugby's HQ is just one of two big games on Saturday as Wales meet the also unbeaten 3N heavyweights Australia - two scrumptious international fixtures I'm sure you'll agree.
Let's not forget though that domestic competitions are continuing on schedule over November's final weekend with vital Guinness Premiership, Magners League and Top 14 games taking place before European action reconvenes.
Of course I realise that financial constraints have had us counting the pennies, but a profitable bet is always pleasing whatever the weather, and with Planet Rugby's advice complimenting Sky Bet's abundance of tasty international markets we can hopefully produce some pre-Christmas cheer.
Here we go again then!
Banker of the weekend
South Africa blew away my most recent tip in a somewhat ruthless manner, wrapping up their tour with a world champions performance that had possibly looked beyond them following laboured wins over Wales and Scotland - congratulations to them!
So, onto the here and now and we return to London again this Saturday for our banker as England attempt to put back on, or possibly even find, their wheels against an efficient New Zealand side.
However, it promises to be a case of not who will win, but by how much as Graham Henry looks set to follow in Peter de Villiers' unbeaten series path.
What should possibly worry Martin Johnson is that although NZ overcame the Welsh by 20 points, Ireland by nineteen and Scotland by 26, there is still a whiff in the air that their best is yet to come. Add to that the fact that Daniel Carter will be determined to sign off in style pre-sabbatical and the omens don't look rosy for the English.
Take the visitors to outplay England in all departments - New Zealand (-20) to win @ 10/11!
Worth a shot
Crossing over to Cardiff and while the All Blacks do a job on their seemingly adrift hosts, there promises to be a much closer-fought contest between Wales and the unbeaten Wallabies.
Post last week's losing fallout; Warren Gatland admitted his pride at confronting the Kiwis with no fear and right up until half-time their plan seemed to be going to script. However, the might of McCaw and co. came to fore on the turnaround as the blacks cruised home in what was a dominant showing.
Seven days on and Australia do not quite possess the steely edge of the Kiwis and one can count them lucky to even be on the verge of a clean sweep - thanks for that must surely go to David Skrela's wayward kicking.
However, one can expect a typical nail-biting finish at the Millennium Stadium with little separating the two countries. That said Wales will badly need to find a route past the Wallaby defences as they've yet to cross the whitewash - if you discount the Canadian fixture - all series.
Let's say they're due their time so I've opted for the hosts' wing wizard to finally announce himself and his team on the autumn stage in successive strong openings from the Welshmen.
Go for Shane Williams to grab the opening try @ 11/1!
Hail Mary 5er
This week's final section includes a mixture of international and domestic fixtures so let's keep everything crossed for the large payout!
I'll plump for Toulouse to continue their run of recent good form against Bayonne to cement their top spot. Elsewhere on Friday, Sale will hope to have possibly turned the GP corner and could upset Leicester while the struggling Wasps should defeat Newcastle in the cold.
New Zealand, Wales, Toulouse, Sale, Wasps
Stake - £5.00 = £39.38 Return!
Happy hunting to all of you!