South Africa v England Second Rugby Test Odds

June 13 - In the first rugby test South Africa, though the favourite, had to stage a second half rally to beat England 22-17. The South Africa versus England second rugby test will be held at the Coca Cola Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, June 16.

But before the second test, England play a Southern Barbarians XV in Kimberley on Wednesday. England coach Stuart Lancaster said that he would use the midweek match for some experimentation.

“We must have options in different positions and you don’t get the opportunity to work on that in international rugby – there’s no pre-season and very few warm-up matches,” Lancaster explained. He will play two specialist 12s, Anthony Allen and George Lowe, in the game against Southern Barbarians.

Lowe will start the game at 12 and Allen at 13. In the second half Allen will move to 12 Lowe will come on at outside centre. Lancaster was speaking at a news conference where he said that his philosophy was about creating opportunities for everyone rather than pigeonholing players.

Both Teams Beset with Injuries

Meanwhile, both England and South Africa are facing injury problems. England fullback Mike Brown has fractured a thumb and will not play in the remaining games. He will be replaced by Nick Abendanon, who has already joined the squad ahead of the South Africa versus England second rugby test.

Born in South Africa, Abendanon played twice for England in 2007. Another England player, Brad Barritt underwent a minor operation weekend for a lacerated eyeball. He will not play the mid week game but could be available for the second rugby test in Johannesburg.

South African fullback Zane Kirchner injured his knee in the first test in Durban and will not play in the South Africa vs England second test. He will be replaced by Gio Aplon, who plays for the Stormers in the Super 15 Rugby. Kirchner’s availability would be evaluated again next week before the final test in Port Elizabeth on June 23.

South Africa vs England Rugby Test Odds

Despite the narrow margin of win for South Africa in the first rugby test, the handicappers at online betting sites have further shortened the odds for a home team win. Sportingbet SA is a popular online betting site for South African punters.

In the first test the odds for a South Africa win were 2/5. The odds posted for a South Africa win in the second test by Sportingbet online are 2/9. The odds for England winning have been increased from 9/4 to 9/2. The odds for a draw remain the same at 20/1.

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