Join Archie Wilson as he breaks down the first All Blacks test of the Greatest Rivalry Tour.
After a long and gruelling wait for the first Test match of the most hyped-up rugby tour in decades, we are finally here. The teams have been announced, the players are ready to go, and the fans are even more so. It truly does not get better than what we have on the table this weekend: the All Blacks v the Springboks at Ellis Park, kicking off a four-match Test series in what is no doubt one of the greatest rivalries in all of sport, let alone rugby.
The great thing now is that we are just hours away from no longer having to speculate about how the game will play out between these two premier sides. There have been months of discussion and analysis about how this game could unfold, but we are almost at the stage where all of that goes out the window and we find out exactly where both teams stand.
But just before we get there, how does one last preview and a couple of best bets for this gargantuan occasion sound? Good? I’m glad you agree. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our final thoughts ahead of this historic clash.
Off the top, I’m glad to see that both sides are very much at full strength to open the series, meaning there are no excuses to fall back on regarding the result. From there, it simply comes down to who executes their plans better. For the All Blacks, my hope and predictions rest on them not being sucked into trying to beat the Springboks at their own game, but instead executing their high-tempo style of rugby on the biggest stage and under the most pressure.
If the All Blacks forward pack can nail the fundamentals and provide quick ball for the backline, that is when Dave Rennie’s side becomes dangerous for any team in the world, including the Springboks. However, if Rassie Erasmus’ men are able to dominate possession, the aerial battle and the contact zones, it could be a long afternoon for the All Blacks in the Johannesburg altitude.
That is, of course, the worry if you are backing the All Blacks. However, I am of the opinion that they can deploy their style of play, and if that is the case they could have a real opportunity to take the game to the Springboks on their most hallowed ground.
Tips
Best Bet: New Zealand (+6.5) @ $1.90
Best Try Scorer: Cam Roigard ATS @ $2.60
Same Game Multi: New Zealand (+6.5), Cam Roigard ATS & Malcolm Marx ATS @ $10.17
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