ODDS

TBrent Graham

he Springboks got 2017 off to a strong start with a 37-14 victory over the French at Loftus on Saturday. It was a good win which comfortably beat the -6.5 handicap that the bookmakers had set on the match.

Popping on to the likes of Facebook and Twitter after the game I could not help but feel that Bok fans were overreacting a bit. There was an outpouring of jubilation at the victory which perhaps given our lean run, is understandable. But I was pleased to see the captain acknowledge that there was still a lot they had to work on.

There was a point in the 2nd half when the French pulled to within a couple of points and while full credit must go to the Boks for hitting back and restoring their advantage straight away, I must admit to being concerned at the time.

It is on to Durban for the 2nd test now and bookmakers have pushed the handicap out slightly to -8.5 points. With the Boks favourites. I must admit I expected a bigger reaction from the bookies with the visitors given a double figure start but in retrospect, the handicap looks well set.

The French will welcome back some of the players who were involved in the Top 14 final and they play at a ground where they have an excellent record, albeit they don’t play there very often. The sides last met in Durban in 2005 where the teams played to a 30-30 draw. Amazingly that was the 3rd draw in six matches in Durban.

Conditions are often muggy in Durban and this could have a negative effect on the Boks’ game which, I feel, is well suited to the dry conditions up north. I am expecting a better effort from the French pack and I am calling this a close game with a French upset win at 5/2 not to be discounted.

At this point, I am mulling over backing the French at +8.5 points or backing the Boks to win the game by a 1-12 point margin at 16/10. I will also be looking at the total points lines and will be going for an “unders” play if the line is anywhere around 48 points.

Brent Graham is a sports betting blogger at

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