Rugby World Cup Schedule: Latest Odds, Betting Tips, Team News for Semi-Finals
It's been a rip-roaring contest so far, and with the semi-finals of the 2015 Rugby World Cup almost upon us, the entertainment looks set to continue as South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina and Australia fight for a place in the grand final at Twickenham in London.
The last four brings together the most in-form teams left in the competition and wraps up months of planning and preparation as the Webb Ellis Cup looms into view.
Let's take a peek at the latest odds from each semi-final in the table below before discussing some betting tips as well as all the latest team news.
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| South Africa vs. New Zealand (kick-off 4 p.m. GMT, October 24) | NZ (2-7) | SA (10-3) | Draw (22) |
| Argentina vs. Australia (kick-off 4 p.m. GMT, October 25) | ARG (9-4) | AUS (4-11) | Draw (22) |
Shutting Down Savea Pivotal to Boks Win
Tournament top scorer Julian Savea will be crucial to New Zealand's performance at the weekend. With eight tries to his name already this tournament, one would normally bet one's house on him to get across the try line at least once against South Africa.
The only thing is, he has never scored against the Boks before, as pointed out by the New Zealand Herald's Gregor Paul:
"Savea has had five games against South Africa with no joy. A try on Sunday would go a long way. The Springboks remain the toughest challenge in the game. They shut down space better than anyone, defend with a ferocity few can match and scramble well. What's more, South Africa know the threat Savea poses and will have a plan in mind to shut him down.
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Having conceded only 75 points this tournament, South Africa's defence might not be the most attractive at first glance, but they are the only side remaining to have recorded a shutout (against the United States). Combine that with the fact that they have never come undone by a Savea try, and the Springboks are worth a punt at 10-3.
Imhoff and Mitchell to Score in Tight Game
There are no easy games left for anybody, that much is clear, and the clash between the Pumas and the Wallabies looks set to be as closely contested as any match we've seen so far.
The main reasoning behind this argument stems from the fact that Graham Henry's influence still looms large on their identity from his days as a part-time consultant. After all, he is the same man who helped New Zealand overcome Australia as coach at the semi-final of the last World Cup. Indeed, ex-Aussie captain George Gregan has come forth with the same opinion, per Darren Walton of the Australian Associated Press (h/t Fox Sports):
"They made the right decisions on the weekend and there is that New Zealand influence, so to speak, through Graham Henry. What has been pleasing too is that they still back what is Argentinian — their set piece and their collision — the contact areas, they pride themselves there. It just adds to their game and they’re going to be a handful to beat.
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They certainly will be a handful to beat, but with two free-flowing sides coming head-to-head, it's also easy to see why there will be tries, and Argentina's Juan Imhoff (at 9-4) and Australia's Drew Mitchell (11-4) both look great bets to score any time, as they've pocketed nine tries between them.
Team News: South Africa vs. New Zealand
The All Blacks have been one of the most entertaining teams to watch at this autumn's finals, but it appears they are still sweating over the availability of Wyatt Crockett and Nehe Milner-Skudder. Crockett is said to be battling a groin injury, per Radio New Zealand, while Milner-Skudder is suffering with a shoulder strain.
It's not yet been confirmed whether the pair will be fit enough to feature, but it's fair to say they will be full of confidence at the way they've continued scoring tries, gaining plenty of admirers along the way, such as the Guardian's Graham Henry: "The quality of the All Blacks' performance [against France] was built on the ability to play the game at a speed, intensity and skill level that the French simply couldn't live with."
Henry states that victory has "set a benchmark for the World Cup."
Meanwhile, South Africa have named an unchanged side from the one that beat Wales for the crunch match, per the Press Association (via the Guardian). Both Lood de Jager and Bismarck du Plessis have overcome minor injuries to play a part.
Obviously, the Springboks will be eager for a repeat of their 2007 triumph when they won the competition outright. However, with only one win from their last five meetings with the Kiwis, per Fox Sports, it certainly won't be an easy accomplishment.
Team News: Argentina vs. Australia
The Pumas are fretting over the readiness of skipper Agustin Creevy, who does not have time on his side, as relayed by Sky Sports. The influential captain is their No. 1 hooker, and although Julian Montoya is being readied as a potential replacement, he would surely be a big loss to the team's dynamics.
The Argentinians made light work of a dramatically altered Irish XV, but they'll be hoping their own fortunes change little between now and the grand final.
In particular, the South Americans will look to capitalise on a fluid style of play that has seen them score 26 tries in five games, something Walton correctly points out as second-best only to New Zealand.
The Wallabies might well have referee Craig Joubert to thank, in part, for their presence in the last four, but that won't bother them hugely if they can go all the way and win the tournament.
However, they might have to do so without a trio of central figures such as David Pocock, Israel Folau and Scott Sio.
As reported by ABC, all three are a doubt for the big showdown, a hammer blow that could prove to be the difference between winning and losing on the day.
Odds via Oddschecker
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