Independent Media rugby writer Mike Greenaway picks this weekend’s rugby winners.
Last week our tip on the Sharks v Lions game in Durban came through. We said that the Lions would not lose by more than 12.5 points. They lost by three points in a tense 25-22 result in favour of the Sharks. This week the United Rugby Championship (URC) takes a break because of the last round of the Six Nations and I reckon there is money to be made in Europe.
Wales v England in Cardiff, 4.15pm on Saturday
In my opinion, this is the game of the weekend with respect to France hosting Scotland. Wales have been building nicely since Warren Gatland was sacked and Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt was seconded to the national team. Sherratt has been doing wonders with Cardiff, and they are sixth on the URC table, which is the best a Welsh team has done for many a season.
Under Sherratt, the Welsh have been improving significantly, and last week they came close to shocking Scotland in Edinburgh. They lost 35-29 and will take plenty of confidence into this weekend’s match.
Betting angle
At Hollywoodbets, England are heavy favourites but a bet of R100 on them to win will earn you just R25. I am convinced that Wales are on the brink of ending its 16-match losing streak, and if they don’t win this one, it will be a lot closer than people think. I am putting money on Wales on the +10.5 handicap. That means I am backing Wales to either win or not lose by more than 10.5 points.
France v Scotland in Paris, 10pm
How France put Ireland to the sword in Dublin last week suggests there can be only one winner at the Stade de France. It is a fact that this Scotland team is their best for some years. They have a brilliant backline but their forwards are average. There is no way that the Scottish substitutes can match the firepower of the French bomb squad that destroyed their Irish counterparts last week.
Betting angle
There is little point in betting on heavy favourites France for an outright win. A bet of R100 will win you just R12, so the handicap is inviting. I like France on the -10.5 handicap which means they will win by more than 10.5 points. A bet of R100 will win you R45 and your stake will be returned.
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