PICK OF THE SPORT: Dylan Bettencourt warns that the Springboks may not have it all their own way in The Rugby Championship decider.
It’s like the 2023 World Cup with a mighty Springbok scrum, probably the best in Springbok history, running onto the pitch at Mbombela on Saturday. And if that isn’t enough, the five forwards, not quite a bomb squad, coming on after halftime, it’s hard to imagine that the courageous Argentinians will be able to remain standing.
But Rassie has persevered with Manie Libbok on flyhalf, but he does have insurance in the form of Handré Pollard who can be summoned in an emergency with Jaden Hendrikse who could play a big part if Manie collapses.
The stage seems set for a win of anything up to 20 points for the Boks – but Argentina’s Los Pumas are used to fighting above their weight. The more they are underrated, the better they seem to perform. The game could still go either way, although anything other than a Bok victory is hard to imagine.
Three South African United Rugby Championship teams are expected to win their opening matches. With home matches, the weather and the altitude favour The Lions against Ulster and the Bulls against Edinburgh. The Stormers, who are promising big things in this year’s URC, play the Ospreys in Wales with less than favourable weather but are still tipped to win. The Sharks are up against it when they face Connacht, but it doesn’t mean they can’t win.
Australia v New Zealand, Wellington, 9am
South Africa v Argentina, Mbombela, 5pm
Lions v Ulster Rugby, Emirates Ellis Park 12.55pm
Vodacom Bulls v Edinburgh Rugby, Loftus Versveld 3pm
Ospreys v DHL Stormers, Bridgend, Wales 8.30pm. (channel 201)
Connacht v Sharks, Galway, 8.35pm
All matches live on DStv channel 211.
➤ Before you settle down and grab that beer for the Springbok game, there might be some Premier League action to watch.
The weekend kicks off with Newcastle United hosting Manchester City at 1.30pm, who are looking to get back to winning ways after their draw with Arsenal last Sunday.
You might also have some time to catch bits and pieces of the 4pm kick-offs with Chelsea hosting Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal taking on Leicester City.
Liverpool will end Saturday’s action with a trip to Wolves at 6.30pm.
There is a blockbuster clash on Sunday with Manchester United taking on Tottenham Hotspur at 5.30pm.
Both teams feel they have a point to prove this season after struggling somewhat last season and not getting a great start this time around either.
A win for either side will feel like a massive victory.
All the Premier League action will be live on DStv channel 203.
➤ And if you’re not in the mood for football or rugby, the Proteas are back in action this weekend with their first T20 against Ireland taking place on Friday at 5.30pm.
The Proteas are looking for a confidence boost after their recent series defeat to both the West Indies and Afghanistan.
The second T20 takes place on Sunday at 5.30pm where either side will have the chance to secure the series win.
The ODI series between the Proteas and Ireland kicks off on Wednesday.
All the action will be live on DStv channel 212.
Pictured above: The Springboks.
Source: Springboks/x
