Rugby Betting Doubleheader: All Blacks vs. Springboks – Two Epic Matches to Watch

Rugby fans around the world are gearing up for one of the most anticipated matches of the year as four time Rugby World Champions South Africa takes on New Zealand in the finale of back to back clashes! This collision between two of rugby’s most formidable teams promises to be a thrilling encounter, filled with intense action, strategic play, and a fierce battle for supremacy. For those who enjoy adding an extra layer of excitement to the match with a wager, Sportingbet has an array of betting options that cater to both seasoned bettors and newcomers. 

With an incredibly close first game going to the Boks, we now prepare for the final head to head where we’ll see if SA truly is the greatest rugby team on earth. With odds of 1.57 on South Africa and 2.40 on New Zealand for this second match, the stakes are high, and the suspense is building.

South Africa enters this match riding a wave of confidence after back-to-back victories against Australia followed by a close win against New Zealand in the first match. These wins have bolstered their position as one of the top teams in world rugby and demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure. The Springboks’ physicality, discipline, and tactical acumen have been on full display, making them the favourites to win the first encounter at odds of 1.57. With the last win in the bag, the Boks have won a hat-trick against the All Blacks, the first since the Tri-Nation Championship in 2009.

The Springboks will feature a refreshed line-up for their Rugby Championship clash against New Zealand in Cape Town, with Canan Moodie and Jaden Hendrikse making their return to the squad for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Rassie Erasmus has made seven changes to the starting XV that defeated the All Blacks 31-27 in Johannesburg, with notable inclusions such as Handre Pollard, Eben Etzebeth, and Willie le Roux. Siya Kolisi, cleared to play after a cheek injury, will lead a formidable loose trio alongside Jasper Wiese and Pieter-Steph du Toit. The match promises to be another intense battle as New Zealand looks to reclaim the Freedom Cup.

New Zealand finds themselves in a rare position as the longshot with odds of 2.40 for a win in the second clash. For a team that has consistently been at the pinnacle of international rugby, this is unfamiliar territory. However, the All Blacks are not a team to be underestimated. They thrive on challenges and have a history of rising to the occasion when their backs are against the wall.

The All Blacks have made four changes to their starting line-up for their Rugby Championship clash against South Africa in Cape Town. Cortez Ratima starts at halfback for only his second Test, while wings Mark Tele’a and Sevu Reece join fullback Will Jordan in a reshuffled back three. Caleb Clarke misses out due to a back injury, with Jordan shifting from the wing to fullback for the first time this year. Wallace Sititi replaces the injured Ethan Blackadder at blindside flanker, while Luke Jacobson joins a reserves bench that features experienced campaigners TJ Perenara and Beauden Barrett. Scott Barrett will captain the side in this critical encounter.

The standard match results odds are fairly one sided for the first clash, so now’s a great time to give a handicap bet a try. Take advantage of the 1.91 odds that SA cover the spread of -4.5, or the 1.80 odds that New Zealand cover a spread of +4.5 for the first clash.

If you back South Africa to cover the -4.5 handicap, you’re betting that the Springboks will not only win the match but do so by a margin of at least 5 points. Given South Africa's recent form and their physical dominance, this bet could be appealing for those confident in the Springboks' ability to overpower the All Blacks on home soil. It’s a bold choice that reflects a belief in their capacity to maintain control throughout the match and finish with a convincing victory.

On the other hand, taking New Zealand with a +4.5 handicap means you're betting that the All Blacks will either win the match outright or lose by less than 5 points. Considering New Zealand's history of close contests and their ability to stay competitive against any opponent, this option might attract those who expect a tightly contested game. The All Blacks have a knack for performing under pressure, and with this handicap, even a narrow loss could still result in a winning bet. It’s a strategic way to support New Zealand while factoring in the possibility of a closely fought battle on the field.

The upcoming clash between South Africa and New Zealand is more than just a rugby match; it’s a battle of pride, strategy, and resilience. With South Africa looking to solidify their dominance and New Zealand eager to prove they are still a force to be reckoned with, these matches promise to deliver high drama and unforgettable moments.

Sportingbet’s wide range of betting options allows you to get involved in the action, no matter where your loyalties lie. So gear up for a thrilling encounter and make your predictions—these are two matches you won’t want to miss!