For the past decade, the June international trips to the Southern
Hemisphere have always been considered forgone conclusions but the last World
Cup in New Zealand has proven that the gap between the Northern and Southern Hemisphere
sides is now closer than ever, leading to the most anticipated set of tours in
years.
With Wales having followed up their World Cup exploits so
well when winning the Grand Slam in the 6 Nations, and England themselves
having turned around such a disappointing World Cup into a strong 6 Nations,
hopes seems to be very high that the European raiders can also take a couple of
tests, if not the series, against the current world superpowers.
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| James Horwill is likely to face one of his biggest tests against Wales |
Only Ireland – and then against World Champions New Zealand –
have been written off completely, which is understandable given that the
formerly Graham Henry coached side have the best record in Test Rugby bar none.
Scotland – admittedly blessed by luck, a well understrength
Australian side barring Will Genia and David Pocock and truly horrendous
conditions – showed what is possible with the right attitude even on the home
turf of superpowers.
South Africa are just 1/5 to win the series, which would be
fair based on their World Cup exploits, although taking that strictly at face
value might be dangerous (as shown in the previews for the games on the page). A
price of 6/1 for England to come here and take the series is certainly of
interest if they show up with a literal reading of their 6 Nations campaign, and
you can get 10/11 on England winning a test with Bet365 on the series handicap.
11/5 on South Africa winning the series 2-1 (the same score that their World
Champion side beat the Lions by a couple of years ago) makes more appeal than
the general odds against on them whitewashing England.
As for the most hotly anticipated series, Welsh fans will be
confident of making their mark in Australia, although there seems to be less
value to be found there. Bet365 may be taking a bit of a liability by offering
13/8 on the whitewash, although it’s foolish to think a side of Wales’s quality
couldn’t land a blow in the Southern Hemisphere with a Grand Slam under their
belts, and the 2/1 on a 2-1 correct score might tempt those looking to get
onside with the hosts and the visitors at the same time. Whatever happens
though, it should be a real rollercoaster ride and we could be set for the best
summer of rugby in a long while.
Advice
1 pt South Africa 2-1 England (11/5 Hills)
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