World Cup warm-ups

Scotland v South Africa

This is a real test for Scotland after their impressive forward display against Ireland as the Saffers have a behemoth pack.

Interestingly Frank Hadden has left Ally Hogg and Simon Taylor out of the back row – Hogg he has questions about but Taylor is an element of protection – and that weakens Scotland considerably.

However, SA were lumbering against provincial side Connacht in winning 18-3.

SA should win though and prove their strength – to lose would be very damaging to their confidence and chances and they are best priced at 1/6 with extrabet.

Totesport are 1/8 and the rest shorter – too short.

I will not touch the handicaps on this one and instead if I must play I will back Scotland but only for a trade. At 6/1 I would hope for a good 20 minutes but I would be eager to reverse my position and take a small profit.

Otherwise it is watch and see – if SA dominate then I shall try and get a better price on them or just ignore all together.

Wales v France

I like this match alot. Wales at home have to start getting some momentum – thrashed by England and then lucky against a weak and rusty Argentina – now it is real world cup hopefuls France turning up.

However, they are a changed side – still full of quality like Betsen, Jauzion, Clerc, Dominici – but before I bet I want to see some cohesion and style from them.

There are changes in the forwards and the important second row and I need to have it confirmed that they are firing on all cylinders. They should be but with the French ????

Prices are France 1/2 and Wales 7/4 so there is plenty of scope for us to wait and watch before deciding what to do.

Wales are above 2/1 on betfair

My intial thought though is to back France at Half-time/full-time at 4/5.

They have the class, Skrela is underrated at 10 and I think they know they need to come out from the beginning and dominate the game to extinguish all Welsh hope.