Can South Africa hold on to their World crown?
BySouth Africa are less than a month away from beginning the defence of the World Cup trophy they won in 2007, but there is one hitch. They are in terrible form.
The Springboks have so far played three games in the Tri Nations that leads straight on to the World Cup and have lost all three as head coach Peter De Villiers continues to field inexperienced line ups to take on Australia and New Zealand, two of the strongest teams in world rugby at the moment.
There is huge pressure on De Villiers to turn around the fortunes of South Africa to the point that there have been suggestions he should be removed from his role before the World Cup – something that is highly unlikely- but is there any chance South Africa can pull off an unlikely turn around and be crowned World Champions once more?
Their third game against Australia was meant to be the real test of where they were as the side was reinforced with returning first choice players after 20 players were left at home for their first game against Australia, but the 14-9 defeat left most scratching their heads as to what to expect next from the Springboks.
In fact the team that took to the pitch was the most experienced in terms of the amount of caps on the field, but that couldn’t stop the Wallabies from picking up a win despite going in at half time 6-0 down.
With that defeat their hopes of winning the Tri Nations evaporated into thin air and now they can only think about planning for the World Cup – that and avoiding their first ever whitewash in the Tri Nations.
Most bookies place the Springboks at around 9/1 to retain their title, behind Australia and New Zealand, but there is a feeling even that is generous.
What will be a decent test of where they are is when they go up against Wales in their opening game of the tournament. Warren Gatland’s side have had an inconsistent run of form lately but showed against England they were well drilled and at their physical peak, and could take advantage of those in a Springboks RWC Jersey looking not only undercooked but unaware of what the game plan is.
They are 50/1 not to reach the Quarter final and while that may be a bit extreme, backing them not to make the semi’s may be a wise move. Either way it is looking highly unlikely South Africa can retain their world crown come the end of the 2011 World Cup, unless they do something very dramatic, and very soon.
Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide
Can South Africa hold on to their World crown?
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