Boks’ win not that sweet

Imade sure to organise a business meeting with someone who wanted to watch the rugby last Friday, when South Africa took on Italy just after midday. The Boks were massive favourites, but a number of punters felt Italy could beat the handicap – and I was one of them.

The handicap had been set at (+30.5) points, meaning Italy only had to come within 31 points to win that bet. I had taken the (+30.5) and as the money came for it, had also taken (+28.5), so while I was decked in my green-andgold shirt and hoping for a Springbok victory, I was banking on Italy to be competitive.

The Boks dominated from the start, but two injuries to the two Italy tightheads meant uncontested scrums, which certainly levelled the playing field a bit and gave me hope.

At 14 points down early in the second half, Italy attacked and won a penalty in the corner. However, one of their intellectually challenged forwards committed a red-card offence after the whistle and with that my chances of landing the handicap bet went out the window.

After the game, I headed to the office where I was greeted by plenty of handshakes and back slapping by others in Springbok jerseys. Everyone was in a jovial mood after the Bok win and they could not understand the fact that I was looking rather down.

I tried explaining that I wanted South Africa to win, but not by as many points, which was greeted with blank expressions that reminded me of just how hard it is to explain handicap betting to nonpunters.

South Africa are looking the business this World Cup and have shortened to 4/1 second favourites behind New Zealand, who are 12/10, with England at 9/2.

We will be watching the weekend’s action with interest to see if Japan beats Scotland to book a quarterfinal place against the Boks, or whether the Scots beat the Japanese, leaving South Africa more likely to play Ireland.

Brent Graham is a sports betting blogger at

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