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July 3 - The Bok management decide to rest a number of players for the third
and final test and give some of the fringe players an opportunity. While some
people might think this shows a lck of respect for the Lions, the reality is
that the Boks have the chance of testing some combinations with an eye on the
Tri Nations.
Schalk Burger's eight week suspension will see Brussow starting again which
may just be a blessing in disguise. He terrorized the Lions when he came on and
with Juan Smith behind him they quite possible make the best flank combination
in the game today.
Bakkies Botha's ridiculous suspension for playing hard rugby gives Johan
Muller a chance for a start as Bekker is also out injured and Danie Rossouw has
concussion. There is a concern of balance, as Muller is like Matfield
essentially a number 5.
Chiliboy gets a start at hooker which is questionably. There are a number of
better hookers than him running around in the Currie Cup. His presence weakens
the scrum further and with Bakkies also not in the mix, Phil Vickery will likely
achieve some redemption against the Beast.
The two backlines have a completely new look about them and the 9, 10, 12
Bulls axis is likely to cause a lot of problems for the Lions.
Prediction: Boks to take an early lead and hang on for a seven point win.
Latest Odds from
GreatOdds.com:
Lions with a 9 point start is 5/6
South Africa outright favorite at 2/5, Lions pay 5/2 for a win.
South Africa to win by 1-5 pays 11/2, 6-10 pays 9/2, 11-15 pays 5/1. Lions win
by 1-5 pays 7/1.
First scores: South Africa Try 9/2; South Africa penalty 9/5; Lions penalty
9/5.
First tryscorer: Nokwe 12/1, Money 14/1, Tommy Bowe
and Shane Williams 14/1.
Read our
GreatOdds.com review - a sportsbook that caters exclusively for South
African bettors, operated by one of the UK's leading betting groups, Sportingbet
plc.
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