Rugby World Cup Semi-Final Preview – Sunday, October 27th at 9.00 am
The Welsh go into their semi-final duel at the Rugby World Cup as underdogs against South Africa. Wales have handled themselves brilliantly at the tournament so far though, notably in their big games against Australia in the pool stage and then France in the quarter-finals. Can they take their journey a step further? New Zealand or England will be waiting in the final.
Wales v South Africa Odds*
 |
1 | X | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11/4 | 30/1 | 1/3 |
*(betting odds taken from bet365 on October 25th, 2019 at 7:12 pm)
Premier League Betting at Bet365
Table of Contents
Wales News & Form
Wales have lost full-back Liam Williams, which is a big blow for them. It means that Leigh Halfpenny moves to the position with Jonathan Davies coming back into the back line after being declared fit. Wales are having to deal with a couple of other injury issues as well with Hadleigh Parkes also battling injury like fellow centre Davies ,and Wales have also lost Josh Navidi who has been replaced by Ross Moriarty. So there will now be a huge focus on Halfpenny and his experienced goal kicking and he will share duties with Dan Biggar.
This will be Halfpenny’s second start of the tournament. Wales lined up against fellow Six Nations opponents France in the quarter-finals and it was a big test for them as an exception. France came at them quickly, but Wales patiently stuck in there. A try from Ross Moriarty six minutes from time, converted by Bigger, saw Wales edge a 20-19 tense victory. It wasn’t the best of performances from Wales and they will know that they have to step it up here. But their control and holding their nerves at the end against the French will have pleased head coach Warren Gatland.
Head to head
The head to head is fully in the court of South Africa, who have won 28 of the previous 35 meetings (Wales 6, one draw). Their last meeting was in 2008 with the Springboks taking a win at the Millennium Stadium. Four of the last five wins that the Boks have taken over Wales have been by a margin of at least 16 points.
South Africa News & Form
The Springboks crushed the dreams of host nation Japan in their quarter-final. A show of power and strength saw South Africa take a 26-3 victory over the Brave Blossoms. So now they plough ahead and will be looking to secure their place in the final. A big strength of the South Africa setup is their scrum. They are superb up front and have so much depth and power in that department. The Springboks will certainly bring a direct and physical aspect to the semi-final.
They have lost winger Cheslin Kolbe, which is a big loss for them. He is such a dynamic runner, he’s often the big spark when the Boks throw the ball wide. An ankle problem keeps him out. Following a good Rugby Championship, this season and this expected berth in the semi-finals, Rassie Erasmus’s men are not a pushover. They did lose their opening game of the tournament against New Zealand but haven’t batted an eyelid since.
Wales v South Africa Prediction
South Africa 1-7 winning margin at 27/10
*(betting odds taken from bet365 on October 25th, 2019 at 7:12 pm)
Wales v South Africa Prediction
The power that South Africa have up front is likely to see them edge their way to the Final. Even in their replacements they have such depth and they can control the frame up front. Wales struggled to get into their groove against France and breaking down the defence of the Boks isn’t going to be as easy. South Africa for the narrow win.
