Weekend Rugby

Spot on from Fletch here, with two from two. NZ out-muscling SA and Australia caranking up a big win over the disinterested French.

New Zealand v South Africa, Tri-Nations, Saturday 8.30am

A lovely opener for this year’s Tri-Nations as it pits the two best sides against each other in the Land of the Long White Cloud – a notoriously difficult place to travel and win.

The news however is the All Blacks have been shorn of many players who have elected to pursue the euro and sterling in European club rugby while iconic captain – although a man I feel is slowing down a tad – Richie McCaw is out injured for some time.

For the Boks Schalk Burger returns for the first match this year and what a fillip that is – the huge bullocking flanker will make yards and much of the Bok’s forward progress will depend on how he is supported.

But to win in NZ against NZ is a mighty ask!

What does concern me is Adrian Jacobs at outside centre. He has to match up against Ma’a Nonu, who is 17kg heavier – and a superb and direct runner.

Also the forecast is bloody awful – cold and rain.

Normally I would back NZ here as they have not lost at home for 10 years to SA – but weather is a concern.

At 1/2 NZ are seemingly good value – but weather, as ever could be a leveller.

I will watch and wait to see how bad the rain is, and then my thought is to favour the home team.

Australia v France, Saturday 10.30am

No Nathan Sharpe – the grunt in the Wallaby second row which loses them some go-forward and menace.

And Marc Lievremont – the French coach – has biasically thrown in the towel by announcing he is going to give every player a run-on in this match and the result is secondary.

Well if the conditions are fine that could mean a Wallaby side preparing for the Tri-Nations could run up a cricket score and that is why I am backing Aussie with a 19 point handicap at 10/11 with Blue Square and 888 SPORT.

Also Aussie half-time full-time at a generous 1/5 with Sporting Bet is on.

I expect tries as well – I don’t want to back players though as Robbie Deans is likely to substitute some like he did Lote Tuqiri last week.

I have my two bets and now need good conditions – ALWAYS CHECK THE WEATHER WHEN WE NEED POINTS.