They say that good things come to those who wait but Henke Meyer might fast be losing the patience of Springbok fans and his South Africa side could slump to a heavy loss against a rampant New Zealand side in Dunedin.
The main thorn in the side of Springbok loyals seems to be the one dimensional nature of South African play, something developed by the immensely powerful and successful Peter De Villiers outfit which won a World Cup, old Tri Nations and Lions series between 2007-2010. However times have changed and the recent problem is now a simple one – scoring enough points. The South Africa of old was dominated by a huge pack which could prevent the best attacks in world rugby from reaching the tryline, allowing for the Springboks’s kicking or forward game to seal the deal.
Meyer still has a classy side – as was shown by South Africa’s World Cup exploits where they were really unlucky not to make the semis against New Zealand – but players like Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha have been leaving for some time and this changing of the guard hasn’t quite had the reaction in playing style properly needed from Meyer in this Rugby championship.
Fly half Morne Steyn’s (left) form has been hit and miss in this year compared to his brilliant past, which is clearly having an effect on tight games, while a lack of forward imagination cost them drear in the 16-16 draw at Argentina and the 26-19 loss to Australia, who were second best for long periods of that game.
South Africa were the last team to beat New Zealand in New Zealand but that defeat remains the last time the All Blacks lost at home and they have gone on to record 22 consecutive home victories since, averaging around about 30 points scored per win. With the Dundein stadium extremely conducive towards running rugby, a similar score can be expected, so a home win by 11-20 points seems like a fair shout with South Africa sure to try and put up a bold defensive showing although they offer too little in attack to have a real threat. In the first Tryscorer markets, Isreal Dagg – who has two in three against the Boks and is likely to get kicked at by Zane Kirchener while being supported by Savea and Jane ammunition – makes appeal at 11/1 with Boylesports.
Advice
2 pts New Zealand to win by 1-12 points (23/10 Paddy Power)
1 pt Israel Dagg 1st Tryscorer (11/1 Boylesports)
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