Records being broken is the staple of any major tournament, and this year’s Rugby World Cup is no exception – however, the milestones made in this edition of the competition are significant indeed. First England became the first hosts to bow out in the pool stage, and then Argentina’s heroics against Ireland, plus victories for Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, meant that all four World Cup semi-finalists hail from the southern hemisphere for the first time. Argentina’s reward for dumping Ireland out of the competition is a clash with the Wallabies, while New Zealand face off against 2007 champions South Africa in a bid to reach the final and defend the title they won on home soil four years ago.
In cricket, Pakistan and England go head-to-head once more in the second Test in the UAE after a draw in the opening encounter in Sharjah. After the fifth day drama that shook up a match dominated by the batting prowess of Shoaib Malik and Alistair Cook, both sides will be keen to edge ahead in the three-Test series. For Lewis Hamilton the prize is firmly in his sights, and the Drivers Championship leader could seal his third world championship at the US Grand Prix on Sunday. For all involved in this top quality week of sporting glory it is just one or two steps away, and that means high pressure, high stakes situations. The rule for any punter looking to make money from these clashes is expect nothing and except for the fact that sport will be at its enthralling, spine-chilling best.
- New Zealand v South Africa – New Zealand, -11 handicap (13/10 at Sky Bet)
- Australia v Argentina – Australia to win (4/9 at Sky Bet)
- Pakistan v England, second Test – Draw (9/4 at Bet365)
- United States Grand Prix – Lewis Hamilton to win (1/2 at Coral)
New Zealand v South Africa – 24th October
Many French fans went into the 2015 World Cup actively hoping that they would draw New Zealand at some point. After all, there is the perception that they have an uncanny knack of beating them, like when they stunned the All Blacks in 2007. It is unlikely France will make that mistake again. It wasn’t just a defeat – it was a slaughter. New Zealand ran in nine tries on the way to a 62-13 thrashing normally reserved for the tournament’s minnows. 33 unanswered points scored in the second half sealed both the win and the All Blacks’ status as the most potent side in the competition. They are only two steps away from defending their crown, and the question is not of who can stop them, but if they will allow anyone the chance.
South Africa have yet to truly impress in this tournament. After a stunning defeat to Japan they cruised through a weak pool, but were made to toil by Wales in the quarter-finals. Handre Pollard’s nerves of steel and Wales’ lack of discipline allowed the Springboks to edge the tie, but New Zealand will not give them those sort of chances. The All Blacks have already run in a massive 236 points in five matches, and South Africa do not look like a side that really have a chance against them. Sky Bet are offering 13/10 on Dan Carter et al running riot, giving New Zealand a -11 point handicap. South Africa do offer a threat but have proved porous in this tournament and New Zealand will take advantage. If New Zealand are to reach the World Cup final, they will be looking to do it in style.
- New Zealand, -11 handicap – 13/10 at Sky Bet
Australia v Argentina – 25th October
Few Argentina fans who witnessed the Pumas rout Ireland, Scotland and France – twice – in the 2007 World Cup believed that they would see their nation surpass the third place finish they achieved on French soil. Now, if Argentina can shock Australia just across the Channel, the 2007 golden generation will have new contemporaries. Like their predecessors the 2015 class have extolled thrilling, forward-thinking virtues under coach Daniel Hourcade, and those virtues came to the fore in a superb 43-20 victory over Ireland in the quarter-final. The win also saw Nicolas Sanchez become the World Cup’s leading points scorer, and the fly half has two games to cement his place in history. His side are in the same position. Come Halloween, this Argentina side could be the new golden generation and the inspiration for many generations of rugby in the Americas.
The Pumas fell short against eventual winners South Africa in 2007, and Australia would not mind repeating the Springboks’ trick. They were fortunate, however, to overcome a battling Scotland side in the quarter-final. In fact, were it not for a controversial penalty decision that saw Bernard Foley kick the Wallabies into the last four, they would have been reeling following a shock defeat. Australia cannot afford to give Argentina a chance in this tie, as the South Americans will certainly punish them. However, with a place in the final and a shot at a first World Cup title since 1999 should inspire Michael Cheika’s team to improve. Argentina have surprised and inspired many at this World Cup, but like in 2007 the semi-finals may be a step too far. Australia are fair odds to win at 4/9 with Sky Bet, but be warned – betting against the Pumas given their performances thus far is itself risky business.
- Australia to win – 4/9 at Sky Bet
Pakistan v England, second Test – 22nd October
It is not often that a draw goes from being a formality to a shock in a Test match, but the first in England’s tour of UAE certainly fit that bill. The Abu Dhabi encounter took a while to get going as batsmen made the most of a poor pitch, but when Adil Rashid finally got some joy from the track the tide turned. The Yorkshire leg spinner recorded the worst Test debut figures in the first innings, so to pick up his maiden five-for represented a major turnaround. Bad light and a lack of a clinical touch cost England in what seemed a straightforward run chase as they fell just 25 runs short, but there was plenty to give coach Trevor Bayliss optimism.
A couple of factors will affect the outcome in Dubai – firstly the pitch is expected to reward swing more, which will play into the England seamers’ hands. Pakistan pack a punch in the bowling attack themselves but James Anderson will lead a line confident of taking wickets. However, the return of deadly spinner Yasir Shah gives Pakistan a boost, as his wicked leg breaks will have an ever-increasing impact as the pitch deteriorates. If the two sides produce batting performances on a track more difficult to navigate they will be difficult to shift as well. England want to establish themselves as the best Test nation in the world, and winning against the likes of Pakistan on wickets like these is the key. The young side may not be ready for that yet. A draw is 9/4 at Bet365 and that is the safest bet.
- Draw – 9/4 at Bet365
United States Grand Prix – 25th October
Mercedes have sealed the Constructors Championship with four races to spare, and Lewis Hamilton is not far behind in the individual title race. After victory in the Russian Grand Prix the Brit is within touching distance of a third world championship, and even if he does not succeed in Texas there will be three more races in which the title will be sealed. It will not take much to ensure Hamilton seals victory in Austin – if he finishes more than nine points clear of Sebastian Vettel and two clear of team-mate Nico Rosberg, the Drivers’ Championship will be his.
Hamilton has previous in the US Grand Prix, winning two of the three races held since it returned to the Formula 1 itinerary and topping the podium last year despite Rosberg starting in pole position. Having won nine of 15 Grands Prix so far, his dominance is unquestioned, and it is a matter of when he seals the title, not if. Hamilton claimed that the title race was far from over, but the confidence will be flowing through him and Mercedes at this time. If Hamilton truly believes he faces a threat he will be looking to seal the title at the first possible opportunity, and Coral are offering 1/2 on the twice world champion making it three.
- Lewis Hamilton to win – 1/2 at Coral