Betting on the Boks

Experience the epic Rugby Championship, a thrilling international Rugby Union contest featuring the world's elite from Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. South Africa, 4-time Rugby World Champions and this year’s tournament hosts, reclaimed their Rugby Championship glory in 2019, ending a decade-long drought.

The tournament was formerly known as the Tri-Nations in 1996, contested annually by these four titans with New Zealand claiming the first coveted title. The Springboks captured their championship win 2 years later in 1998, followed by Australia's triumph in 2000. The rebranded Castle Lager Rugby Championship launched in 2012 with Argentina's inclusion, and New Zealand once again taking home the title.

Since the competition's inception, New Zealand has dominated the field, claiming 20 titles with South Africa securing four in 1998, 2004, 2009, and 2019, and Australia winning four as well in 2000, 2001, 2011, and 2015.

The reigning Rugby World Champions however, are set to take on World #2, Ireland before they face a determined trio in this season’s Championships as the Springboks look to secure their third consecutive victory over New Zealand since 2009, promising a spectacular showdown.

A highly anticipated Test clash between the world's top two rugby teams, South Africa and Ireland, did not disappoint as the Boks secured a hard-fought victory over the Six Nations champions in a thrilling clash. The back-to-back World Cup champs maintained their status as the world's top-ranked side with a recent nail-biting win over the Irish in Pretoria.

The match got off to a flying start for the home side with their attacking prowess on full display. Loose forward Siya Kolisi and the try-scoring machine Kurt-Lee Arendse combined brilliantly to put the Springboks on the scoreboard early on.

However, our Irish visitors displayed their own attacking flair and resilience as they continued to apply pressure throughout the first half. The second half was a true battle of wills, with both teams desperately fighting for the upper hand. The Springboks' discipline was tested as they were reduced to 14 men, but showed their poise and determination as they held off the Irish onslaught as the Boks defense held firm in the closing stages to secure the victory.

The Boks’ July Test schedule will conclude with a clash against emerging nation Portugal. It will be the first time the Springboks take on Os Lobos (the Wolves) in an international match, with Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein confirmed as the battleground.

Old rivals New Zealand, currently ranked third in the world, are set to return for a thrilling two Test Series in Johannesburg and Cape Town as part of this year’s Rugby Championship schedule. The Boks will be looking to secure a third consecutive victory over the All Blacks for the first time since 2009.

The first showdown is scheduled for August 31st at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg, promising an electrifying showdown. A week later, the action shifts to Cape Town, where the All Blacks will make their debut at the DHL Stadium. The last time these two teams clashed in Cape Town was in 2017 at Newlands, where the Boks narrowly lost 25-24. This series is set to be a high-stakes battle you won't want to miss!

The home Test Series wraps up with a thrilling showdown against Argentina's Pumas at Mbombela Stadium in the lowveld on September 28th. This venue has been a fortress for our team, boasting an unblemished record with victories over Scotland, Wales, and New Zealand, including a memorable 30-23 win against the Pumas in 2016. Join the Boks as they aim to maintain their perfect streak on the outskirts of Nelspruit!

• Saturday, 13 July: SA vs. Ireland (Kings Park, Durban)
• Saturday, 20 July: SA vs. Portugal (Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein)
• Saturday, 31 August: SA vs. New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)
• Saturday, 7 September: SA vs. New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
• Saturday, 28 September: SA vs. Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)

Let’s take a look at some of the popular markets that are currently on offer for this colossal clash of titans and pave the way to some informed stakes.

First up, we’ve got the First Try Scorer market - Predicting which player will score the first try in the match adds excitement, especially in high scoring games.

Next, we have the ‘Half Time/Full Time’ market. A popular choice for our fan’s, where you have the chance to determine what team will lead at the end of the 1st half and who will emerge victorious at full time.

In addition, we have the epic ‘Which Team Will Score 1st” market where you get the chance to predict which team will score the 1st try of the clash.

And last, but not least, Handicap betting involves giving one team a virtual deficit (handicap) to overcome or an advantage to maintain, which adds interest to one sided matches, making the most predictable matches exciting.

Few teams command the respect and admiration of the Springboks. Their ability to stifle the opposition's attacks, coupled with their ferocious tackling, and fierce breaking runs, has been a hallmark of their game for years. The Springboks season has kicked off on a thrilling note and with the tournament set to continue through to September 28th, the stage is set for what promises to be an enthralling and action-packed season ahead.

From a rugby betting standpoint, fanatics and betting aficionados alike, are in for a treat, as these titans vie for victory on South African soil. Whether it's the electrifying tries, the bone-crunching tackles, or the sheer force of their collective will, be sure to brush up on your squad updates and team developments ahead of this enthralling series and ensure you catch all the thrilling odds markets, Player Specials and Price Boosts on offer at Sportingbet to elevate your Incoming Series experience.