Features

Tri-Nations sides lead the way

Author: John Harris
Date: 22/08/2009
Rugby Union betting

The 2009 Tri-Nations winner may as well be crowned the world champions as South Africa, New Zealand and Australia have proved themselves as superior to what the Northern hemisphere (and Argentina) has to offer this year.

South Africa are odds-on sportsbook favourites to be crowned Tri-Nations champions to complete a remarkable year, following the Test series defeat of the British & Irish Lions earlier in the summer.

The three Tests with the best that Britain and Ireland have to offer has been of a massive benefit to the world champions as the Wallabies and All Blacks faced easier tests against France and Italy to warm up for the battle of the Southern hemisphere.

The Springboks have been helped by a favourable fixture list, which has seen all three of their fixtures take place at home thus far.

By grinding out the All Blacks twice and prevailing over plucky Australia, Peter de Villiers' side has built a commanding advantage over their opponents as they look to wrap up a tournament win as they fly down under in the coming weeks.

But first, they must watch Australia and New Zealand hammer chunks out of each other in the Bledisloe Cup this week, in a match which will virtually end the hopes of a tournament win for the losers.

Who will win the Bledisloe Cup to keep up the pressure on the Springboks? Latest Rugby Union Betting

The Wallabies are to play hosts to their Trans-Tasman rivals in Sydney, but the away side will probably enter the match as favourites, due to the fitness of key playing personnel.

Missing for Australia is talismanic captain Stirling Mortlock, who is relied upon for so much of what the Wallabies do in midfield.

In contrast, Graham Henry is expected to hand a recall to Dan Carter for the Kiwis. The mercurial fly-half has made a successful return to club rugby with Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup.

If Carter is given the number 10 jersey, expect the misfiring New Zealand backline to suddenly rekindle their attacking threat.

Australia and South Africa then clash a week later, though the Wallabies have to take a five-hour flight to Perth to welcome the Springboks.

South Africa should have a clean bill of health ahead of the Test, in which they may be able to wrap up a tournament success.

They then meet again in Brisbane, and if South Africa notch two wins out of two then their trip to New Zealand will definitely be academic in terms of the Tri-Nations trophy.

The tournament closes with Australia travelling to New Zealand for the second time in this year's pool, in what could be a match contesting second place.

BET NOW