England v South Africa Rugby Preview 24 November 2012

Autumn Internationals – Week Three Preview
 
The opening two weeks of the Autumn Internationals have not been kind to the home nations. Wales and Scotland are yet to register any wins, while England and Ireland have one victory against Fiji to their names. As we enter the third week of matches things are only getting harder with New Zealand visiting Wales, Argentina travelling to Ireland and South Africa heading to Twickenham to tackle England.
 
England v South Africa – 2.30pm Kick Off
 
England entered last week’s game with Australia full of optimism; this was supposed to be the game when Stuart Lancaster’s young guns struck their first blow against one of the southern hemisphere heavyweights.
 
But at the final whistle the players, coaches and fans were left with the same frustrations that have plagued English rugby for the last six years. Execution and decision making at the highest level is the essence of test rugby, and England were well below par in both departments. The decision to turn down three very kickable penalties ultimately cost the home side any chance of victory.
 
Chris Robshaw’s men now welcome the Springboks to Twickenham, a side they haven’t beaten in 10 games. In the summer tour of South Africa, the hosts overpowered England in the first two tests, before a spirited English effort earned them a draw in the final match of the series.
 
South Africa’s recent record against England is excellent, and the fact they enter this game on the back of two wins, even money (Paddy Power) looks a fantastic bet. There is no doubt the Boks have an advantage at the breakdown, and if they control this facet of the game as well as Australia did they should win the game.  England are generally priced at 4/5 and this is definitely worth opposing.
 
Given the weather forecast for Saturday (heavy rain and high winds) the handicap of South Africa +1 at 10/11 (Sky Bet) also looks a worth wile bet. The Boks are world’s best side when it comes to battles in the tight, and you wouldn’t back against them with that in mind.
 
Manu Tuilagi scored England’s only try in the defeat to Australia at is well priced at 4/1 (Ladbrokes) to score at anytime. The centre had a brilliant series against South Africa in the summer, and is one of the players who can break the solid Bok defence. Ben Youngs also has a good scoring record against the Springboks and is priced at 5/1 (Ladbrokes) to score anytime.
 
On the South African side a couple of the powerful ball carrying forwards catch the eye. Francois Louw has been in sensational form in the opening matches of the tour and the Bath flanker is 13/2 (Ladbrokes) to score at anytime.
 
 
Best Bets
 
South Africa (to win) – Evens (Paddy Power)
 
South Africa +1 – 10/11 (Sky Bet)
 
Manu Tuilagi (anytime scorer) – 4/1 (Ladbrokes)
 
Francois Louw (anytime scorer) – 13/2 (Ladbrokes)
 
Drop Goal (anytime during the game) – 9/4 (Ladbrokes)
 
Bet of the Weekend
 
Double Up
Argentina to beat Ireland 15/8 (Paddy Power)
South Africa to beat England evens (Paddy Power)
 
Pays around 5/1 and looks a fantastic bet