Tag: South Africa

Cricket World Cup: Day 14 Preview

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The Three Big Questions

What’s the go on four day test and 40 over one-dayers? 

Details have emerged of an ECB discussion paper that presents ideas on how to forward the game of cricket    that include reducing ODI games to 40 overs, and reducing test matches to 4 days.  The paper aimed predominantly towards the English County Cricket model (thus included a franchise focused domestic Twenty20 league) determined that the 30 year tradition of five day tests could be done away with to, presumably, reduce the costs of hosting each game and prevent fifth day attendance fatigue; create more room in the cricketing calendar for the Twenty20 league; make both formats more commercially attractive.  The changes make sense to us, but it will be interesting to see if they’re supported by other nations.  Any changes are likely to be a long way off though.

What’s happening between Shane Warne and Darren Lehman?

The Australian press have been jumping at any chance of a story this week.  David Warner’s “brain explosion” comments, and Josh Hazelwood’s genius comment that “we need to get McCullum out” have both been given too many pixels.  But, we understand, they need to be paid and there’s been no on field action for Australia for two weeks.  That’s why the so-called rift’s been blown out of proportion.  There are unlikely to be any deep issues running through the squad, and it won’t impact their play.  Don’t read anything into the comments.  All is well.

Will the real South Africa show up today?

Put simply, they have to.  South Africa are in real danger of butchering their World Cup chances.  They do not want to have to meet New Zealand or Australia any earlier than the semi-finals, but because of their poor effort against India they can’t afford to drop any more games.  They need leadership.  They need runs from Amla and de Villers.  They need Steyn.  In those three players they have the experience to get out of the mini-slump they are in, the ability to inspire the rest of their team and beat the West Indies comfortably.

Today’s Matchup

South Africa v West Indies, Sydney Cricket Ground (Sydney – fine weather predicted), starts 2:30pm local time

South Africa – $1.30

West Indies – $3.50

Enigmatic West Indies vs Failing Favourites South Africa – This one could be tough to predict.  South Africa desperately need to rediscover some form and avoid another loss.  The West Indies on the other hand are in form, they should be confident and depending on what Gayle turns up could be Cricket World Cup contenders.

An indication on how this one might go could come from when the two teams met very recently in South Africa prior to the World Cup.  South Africa won the ODI series comfortably – many people forget that because AB de Villers’ 31 ball hundred stole most of the headlines – and that’s probably the same way this match will pan out.

Darren Bravo, Suliaman Benn and Vernon Philander are all expected to miss the match through injuries.

Today’s Bet

AB de Villiers to Score 50 – $2.35.

This is great money for de Villers who scores 50’s for fun.  Take advantage off his early Cricket World Cup woes and lump on this one.  Won’t need too much crease time to deliver 50.

Odds courtesy of Tom Waterhouse.

Cricket World Cup: Weekend Recap

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A bumper weekend of quality cricket has seen a number of teams rip up the form book and reemerge as genuine World Cup threats.  India and the West Indies both scored unexpected wins to again confuse punters as to who will make up the crucial semi-final spots of the lucrative tournament.

Although Cyclone Marcia prevented the favourites Australia from playing, New Zealand and Melbourne stayed dry to allow some cricket.  Check out the weekend results below:

Day 8 Results

1. West Indies v Pakistan

The enigma that is West Indies cricket got the better the woefulness that is Pakistan cricket in a one-sided encounter in Christchurch.  Fans wanting a more interesting World Cup will hope that the win will prompt a change in fortune for the men from the Caribbean, whereas fans supporting Pakistan will be drastically worried.  The West Indies posted 300 batting first for the second game in succession.  Handy contributions from most of their men precluded a dazzling Andre Russell finish who slammed 42 from just 13 balls.  Earlier, Dinesh Ramdin and Lendl Simmons both scored fifties in a crucial middle over partnership that solidified a precious position of 152/3, which could have initiated a wobble.

A middle order wobble may not have mattered anyway as Pakistan crumbled to just 160 in reply.  Jerome Taylor’s fast start reduced Pakistan to a remarkable 1/4.  Just to be clear, that is, 4 wickets down for a solitary run.  There was no way back.  Pakistan did get to 160 – Umar Akmal scored an overdue half centre as did Maqsood, but there was never a contest.  Andre Russell also picked up three wickets to take man of the match honours.

The West Indies will be satisfied with their day’s work but await anxiously news on Darren Bravo’s injured hamstring.

West Indies 310 for 6 (Ramdin 51, Simmons 50, Russell 42) beat Pakistan 160 (Akmal 59, Maqsood 50, Taylor 3-15, Russell 3-33) by 150 runs

2. Australia v Bangladesh

Day 9 Results

1. Afghanistan v Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka overcame another minnow led scare in the Cricket World Cup on Sunday.  Not for the first time, an associate nation looked to be getting the better of test playing nation before class, luck and composure got the Sri Lankans (in this case) home.

Afghanistan were at one stage 128/2 and looking good for a handsome first innings total.  But before they could build any real momentum, Matthews, Malinga and Lakmal removed their key men before they could make the big scores that win games.  Mohammad Stanikzai was Afghanistan’s best with a well made 54, but his wicket was the catalyst of the slide.

Sri Lanka made very hard work of the gettable total.  At 18/3, with Dilshan, Thirimanne and Sangakkara all back in the pavilion, an upset looked possible.  It looked likely even when Karunaratne also fell, in a wicket that had the Afghan’s doing cartwheels (literally).  The fairytale wasn’t forthcoming mind you.  The guile of Mahlea Jayawardene and the power of Thisara Perera steering Sri Lanka home to win by 4 wickets.  Jayawardene scored an even hundred, while Perara made a brutal unbeaten 47 to wrap things up with 10 balls to spare.

Sri Lanka 236 for 6 (Jayawardene 100, Perera 47*, Hamid 3-45) beat Afghanistan 232 (Stanikzai 54) by four wickets

2. India v South Africa

Wow! We didn’t see this one coming.  India gave a huge MCG crowd every reason to cheer by knocking over a strong South Africa in emphatic fashion.  Cast aside at the start of the tournament after a disappointing tour down under, the Indians are now emerging as genuine title contenders after a pair of excellent wins.  Led by Shikhar Dhawan, who scored a well-paced 137, full of hooks and pulls, India cruised along to 307.  Virat Kohli contributed too, he scored 46, but Ajinkya Rahane’s 60 ball 79 was the real supporting act gem at the tail the innings.

South Africa struggled; they’ll be talk of the dreaded ‘choke’ term entering their minds / becoming a possibility.  The case never really got going, and surprisingly, none of their big game players Amla, du Plessis or de Villiers have managed to score the expected big runs.  Certainly not on the Dhawan scale.  The scale that put bowlers under pressures and becomes the difference between 200 scores and 300 scores.  Dhawan was the difference, and South Africa need confidence.  (They’ll also monitor an injury to Vernon Philander.)

South Africa have gone out to $5.00 to win the World Cup at Bet365.

India 307 for 7 (Dhawan 137, Rahane 79) beat South Africa 177 (Du Plessis 55, Ashwin 3-41) by 130 runs

Cricket World Cup: Day 2 Recap

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Who said this was going to be batsman World Cup?  Four matches and four first innings totals over 300 has made chasing very difficult in the early stages of this World Cup.  All of the favourites have flexed some muscle in their opening wins, even if coming in slightly different circumstances.  Let’s have a look at the day 2 results.

Day 2 Results

1. South Africa v Zimbabwe

It’s pretty rare that a side can bounce back from losing Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis and Quintin de Kock each for 25 runs or less and still go on to post 339/4 in their 50 overs.  But that’s exactly what South Africa managed against Zimbabwe in Hamilton in their World Cup opener.  Batting first on a sticky wicket, South Africa lost the plot against accurate but unthreatening bowling, plummeting to 83/4 before a record breaking partnership ensued between JP Duminy and David Miller.  Miller made a masterful 138* proving he’s much more than a late over finisher, and Duminy proved his value to the side with an equally well-paced hundred in one of his first games back from a long injury layoff.  South Africa set a 2015 tournament record of 89 from the final overs to post the third consecutive total of over 300 from teams batting first in the Cup.

Zimbabwe showed plenty of character in their chase, but eventually fell some 62 runs short.  They were close for a large portion of the run-chase and in particular with Brendon Taylor still in the middle had a chance, however, as the asking rate increased the pressure did too and Zimbabwe found fewer boundaries and resorted to calculated slogs to try and get their.  It was a valiant effort mind you, and their form over 7o off the hundred overs, outlines just how dangerous they’ll be against others in their pool.  Zimbabwe will (and deserve too) take great heart from their effort; South Africa will just be grateful their blushes were spared (mainly by Miller and Duminy).

South Africa 339 for 4 (Miller 138*, Duminy 115*) beat Zimbabwe 277 (Masakadza 80, Chibhabha 64, Tahir 3-36) by 62 runs

2. India v Pakistan

Adelaide Oval seemed a world away from Australia as over 50,000 Indian and Pakistan fans packed in to watch the latest editions of one of sports great rivalries.  In stark contrast to the sedate Hamilton ground in the earlier game, Adelaide was a cauldron of noise and excitement as the two Asian heavyweights launched their World Cup campaigns.  India would get the better of the occasion thanks to another Adelaide Oval hundred from Virat Kohli.  India posted 300/7 with Kohl’s and Suresh Raina’s 75 the difference between an above par and below par score.  In fairness, they actually should have scored more and their return of 27 from the final five overs is easily the worst in the competition thus far.

Pakistan’s mecurail batting lineup never threatened the total.  The Indian bowlers finally seemed to appreciate the length to bowl in Australia and masterfully mixed a fuller regular length with excellent directed short balls – used sparingly.  The seamers combined well with spinners Ashwin and Jadeja to restrict runs and take wickets.  Pakistan look to be struggling without Mohammad Hafeez and will need to figure out their best use of Umar Akmal and Sarfraz (even if Akmal was unfairly adjudged caught behind – in my view).  Misbah was again the rock of the flailing chase, he managed another ODI half century and could be a good fantasy banker on today’s evidence.

India 300 for 7 (Kohli 107, Raina 74, Dhawan 73, Sohail 5-55) beat Pakistan 224 (Misbah 76, Shehzad 47, Shami 4-35) by 76 runs

Cricket World Cup: Day 2 Preview

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While the opening matches of the Cricket World Cup were not as close as we hoped, they did feature incredible batting efforts from New Zealand and Australia.  The matches highlighted the new norm of ODI totals; 250+ scores won’t cut the mustard this year,  320+ will.

The Three Big Questions

Which performance on day 1 was more dominant?

Probably New Zealand.  New Zealand came out from ball one and attacked.  While they wobbled slightly in the middle overs, Corey Anderson’s finish ensured an unassailable total.  The attacking intent shows an approach very un-New Zealand like.  Rather than nervous deal with the expectation, they thrived on it and look to be comfortable leading from the front.  Their bowling did, however, look a bit ragged – they’ll want to improve.

Australia, were expected to win, they had beaten England easily and were at home in conditions perfect for their batsman.  They laid down a marker but you wouldn’t expect anything less from the group of players they have at their disposal.  Bring on the 28th of February.

Can any of the so-called minnows get up and sneak a win against a test playing nation?

If we were to base our answer on warm up matches, then yes.  Scotland ran in some big totals in the warm up matches, Ireland have played in plenty of tournaments now and even Afghanistan showed some promise in their two warm up games against thought opposition.  Of the test playing nations, the West Indies look disinterested; Bangladesh look dreadfully underdone. Therefore, absolutely, there will be an upset in this Cricket World Cup.

Amla or de Villiers to score the most tournament runs?

The South Africans possess the top two international ODI batsman.  Both are quality players on all surfaces, against all types of bowlers.  Amla will get more opportunities being at the top of the order and this could aid his chances of cashing in against the associate nations.  The only area he gives up points to de Villiers is in scoring rate.  de Villiers can bat through all gears, and even if he faces 30 balls at the end of the innings has shown he can score hundreds in that time.  We’re picking de Villiers.

Today’s Matchups

1. South Africa v Zimbabwe, Seddon Park (Hamilton – sunny and hot), starts 2:00pm local time.

South Africa– $1.02

Zimbabwe – $13.00

After New Zealand and Australia got off to impressive starts, South Africa now need to send a similar message when they open their tournament in Hamilton.  Nothing short of a dominant display will be needed to make sure punters don’t write them off.  South Africa are expected to be far too strong for Zimbabwe, but Zimbabwe’s warm-up form has been impressive.  They had New Zealand in trouble before rain and then beat Sri Lanka by 7 wickets.  South Africa on the other hand lost to NZ, but we don’t expect that to change the team’s fortunes today.

2. India v Pakistan, Adelaide Oval (Adelaide – partly cloudy but humid), starts 2:00pm local time

India – $1.50

Pakistan – $2.55

The defending Cricket World Cup champions have not enjoyed their time in Australia thus far.  After a winless test series and ODI trip-series, they finally mustered a win against Afghanistan.  Fractured form aside, the Indians still have an abundance of class in Kohli, Dhoni, Sharma and Rahane and will back their batsman to chase anything their bowlers concede.  Pakistan have warmed up by losing to New Zealand but beating England and Bangladesh in warm up matches.  They rely too heavily on Misbah to justify low odds.  But if Mohammad Irfan can generate step bounce on the Adelaide Oval pitch they could surprise.

Today’s Multi

The Beard and Bounce Multi

Pakistan (Win) + Hashim Amla and Sean Williams (Top Score Combo) = $43.35

*Odds from Sportsbet Australia.

Rugby: Super Rugby 2015 Preview

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It’s that time of year again.  Right in the heart of summer, the Super Rugby season gets underway on Friday night.  We’ve got a run down of each side and their 2015 chances, with odds from Luxbet.

New Zealand Conference

BLUES

Squad: Charles Piutau, Lolagi Visinia, Tevita Li, Ben Lam, Frank Halai, George Moala, Hamish Northcott, Pita Ahki, Francis Saili, Dan Bowden, Ihaia West, Simon Hickey, Jimmy Cowan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Bryn Hall, Joe Edwards, Luke Braid, Brendon O’Connor, Jerome Kaino (capt), Steven Luatua, Hayden Triggs, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Bekhuis, Culum Retallick, Charlie Faumuina, Angus Ta’avao, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tony Woodcock, Sam Prattley, Keven Mealamu, James Parsons.

Last Year: 10th

X-Factor: Charles Piutau is now a well established All Black squad member and will be hoping to use the 2015 Super Rugby season to springboard his chances for Rugby World Cup selection.  The exciting winger will make up part of an exciting back three for the Blues with Tevita Li, Frank Halai and George Moala all possibilities to join him.

2015 Chances: Pretty slim.  First five-eighth has always been a stick area for the Blues and this year they’re putting their money on youngsters Simon Hickey, Ihaia West and the returning Dan Bowden.  None of this numbers draws much excitement and could be another painful year for the City of Sails residents.

2015 Odds: $19.00

CHIEFS

Squad: Tim Nanai-Williams, Tom Marshall, Hosea Gear, James Lowe, Bryce Heem, Anton Lienert-Brown, Seta Tamanivalu, Charlie Ngatai, Sonny Bill Williams, Andrew Horrell, Aaron Cruden (co-capt), Damian McKenzie, Augustine Pulu, Brad Weber, Liam Squire, Sam Cane, Sean Polwart, Liam Messam (co-capt), Tevita Koloamatangi, Michael Leitch, Johan Bardoul, Brodie Retallick, Matt Symons, Michael Allardice, Mike Fitzgerald, Ben Tameifuna, Mitchell Graham, Jamie MacIntosh, Pauliasi Manu, Nathan Harris, Rhys Marshall, Quentin MacDonald.

Last Year: Qualifiers (5th)

X-Factor: It’s hard to overlook the World Rugby Player of the Year (Brodie Retallick) but the return of Sonny Bill Williams is likely to get most of the newspaper share.  After two seasons in the NRL, SBW returns to help the All Blacks go back to back at the World Cup.  Despite the season away he still has plenty about his game to like.  Look out for the offloads.

2015 Chances: Second favourites with the bookmakers on account of their fine record over the last three years.  Will go close again.

2015 Odds: $5.50

HURRICANES

Squad: Nehe Milner-Skudder, Matt Proctor, Jason Woodward, Cory Jane, Julian Savea, Vince Aso, Conrad Smith (capt), Reynold Lee-Lo, Ma’a Nonu, Willis Halaholo, Beauden Barrett, James Marshall, TJ Perenara, Chris Smylie, Victor Vito, Blade Thomson, Ardie Savea, Callum Gibbins, Iopu Iopu-Aso, Brad Shields, Mark Abbott, Jeremy Thrush, James Broadhurst, Christian Lloyd, Geoffrey Cridge, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Chris Eves, Ben Franks, Ben May, Reggie Goodes, Dane Coles, Motu Matu’u.

Last Year: 7th

X-Factor: It’s difficult to pick international stars as the players to watch when we know they’ll sit ut portions of the tournament in order to manage workloads ahead of the Rugby World Cup.  Nevertheless, Julian Savea cannot be ignore.  The best finisher in the World is the modern day Jonah Lomu and an important part of the Hurricanes side.

2015 Chances: The Hurricanes should be there or thereabouts come the business end of the competition.  Can be incredibly inconsistent at this level and tend to leak a few too many tries, but we expect them to finish in the top 8, and push for the qualifying rounds.

2015 Odds: $16.00

CRUSADERS

Squad: Israel Dagg, Johnny McNicholl, Nemani Nadolo, Jone Macilai, Robbie Fruean, Kieran Fonotia, Tom Taylor, Dan Carter, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis, Mitchell Drummond, Kieran Read (capt), Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd, Richie McCaw, Jordan Taufua, Jimmy Tupou, Luke Romano, Sam Whitelock, Dominic Bird, Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Nepo Laulala, Wyatt Crockett, Joe Moody, Tim Perry, Ben Funnell, Codie Taylor, Ged Robinson.

Last Year: Beaten Finalists

X-Factor: With a host of Crusaders stars resting this year Nemani Nadolo is the x-factor after a breakout 2014.  Joint top try-scorer last year with 12, the Fijian has explosive speed and will be one of the top try-scorers again this year.

2015: Chances: Good as always.  Sure they’ll lose some AB’s, and they’ve lost Andy Ellis.  But they’re well-coached, well used to winning and brilliantly lead by Kieran Read.  Will go close.

2015 Odds: $5.50

HIGHLANDERS

Squad: Ben Smith (co-capt), Trent Renata, Kurt Baker, Patrick Osborne, Waisake Naholo, Richard Buckman, Malakai Fekitoa, Jason Emery, Shaun Treeby, Marty Banks, Lima Sopoaga, Hayden Parker, Aaron Smith, Fumiaki Tanaka, Nasi Manu (co-capt), Gareth Evans, Shane Christie, John Hardie, Dan Pryor, Elliot Dixon, Joe Wheeler, Mark Reddish, Tom Franklin, Alex Ainley, Ross Geldenhuys, Josh Hohneck, Brendon Edmonds, Kane Hames, Ma’afu Fia, Pingi Tala’apitaga, Liam Coltman, Ash Dixon.

Last Year: Qualifiers (6th)

X-Factor: 2014 was the year of Malakai Fekitoa.  Relatively unknown at the start of the year, Fekitoa reached the lofty heights of All Black mainstay, and even developed his game to play both midfield positions.  A strong runner, he also added some nice deft touches and kicking options later in the year too.

2015: Chances: They won’t win it, but they could upset some more favoured teams along the way to finishing around 10th.

2015 Odds: $41.00

Australian Conference

REBELS

Squad: Cruze Ah-Nau, Paul Alo-Emile, Luke Burgess, Cam Crawford, Steve Cummins, Jack Debreczeni, Tamati Ellison, Tom English, Colby Fainga’a, Scott Fuglistaller, Jed Gillespie, Mike Harris, Bryce Hegarty, Scott Higginbotham, Keita Inagaki, Mitch Inman, Sam Jeffries, Luke Jones, Tom Kingston, Pat Leafa, Sean McMahon, Ben Meehan, Tim Metcher, Sefanaia Naivalu, Cadeyrn Neville, Jonah Placid, Jordy Reid, Radike Samo, Tom Sexton, Dom Shipperley, Toby Smith, Nic Stirzaker, Lopeti Timani, Telusa Veainu, Laurie Weeks, Ben Whittaker.

Last Year: 15th

X-Factor: The Rebels coach, Damien Hill, recently said that “[In Scott Higginbotham] you’ve got one of the best ball-running, lineout jumping options in Australian rugby.  We won’t argue, he’ll be huge (figuratively) for the Rebels this year.

2015 Chances: Will struggle.

2015 Odds: $126.00

FORCE

Squad: Robbie Abel, Chris Alcock, Nathan Charles, Adam Coleman, Angus Cottrell, Pek Cowan, Tetera Faulkner, Ross Haylett-Petty, Chris Heiberg, Matt Hodgson, Oliver Hoskins, Steve Mafi, Ben McCalman, Brynard Stander, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Heath Tessman, Francois van Wyk, Rory Walton, Sam Wykes, Marcel Brache, Luke Burton, Nick Cummins, Pat Dellit, Sias Ebersohn, Kyle Godwin, Dane Haylett-Petty, Zack Holmes, Brad Lacey, Ryan Louwrens, Alby Mathewson, Luke Morahan, Albert Nikoro, Ian Prior, Junior Rasolea, Mitch Scott, Akihito Yamada.

Last Year: 8th

X-Factor: Nick Cummins doesn’t just have x-factor in television interviews – the Honey Badger as he’s affectionately known – is an accomplished finisher and after a quick stint in Japan has brokered a deal to make himself available for Super Rugby 2015.

2015 Chances: Enjoyed a relatively strong season last year despite not having many big name players.  Won’t be underestimated this year though, so we’re not expecting them to be factors in the tournament.

2015 Odds: $81.00

REDS

Squad: Curtis Browning, Ben Daley, Saia Faingaa, Lolo Fakaosilea, Liam Gill, James Hanson, Greg Holmes, James Horwill, David McDuling, Ed O’Donoghue, Eddie Quirk, Andrew Ready, Beau Robinson, Jake Schatz, James Slipper, Rob Simmons, Hendrik Tui, Adam Thomson, Quade Cooper, Anthony Faingaa, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Nick Frisby, Will Genia, Karmichael Hunt, Samuela Kerevi, Chris Kuridrani, Campbell Magnay, James O’Connor, Duncan Paia’aua, Ben Tapuai, Jamie-Jerry Taulagi, Lachie Turner.

Last Year: 13th

X-Factor: Karmichael Hunt will have plenty of eyes on him when he lines up for the Reds for the first time in 2015.  In fact, he’s lining up on a rugby pitch for the first time after successful stints in the NRL and AFL.  It takes a special player to play in all three formats and Special K is exactly that.

2015 Chances: Could spring a few surprises but likely to miss out on the top 6.

2015 Odds: $16.00

BRUMBIES

Squad: Allan Alaalatoa, Ben Alexander, Rory Arnold, Fotu Auelua, Jarrad Butler, Sam Carter, Sean Doyle, Blake Enever, Scott Fardy, Les Makin, Stephen Moore, Joshua Mann-Rea, David Pocock, Siliva Siliva, Scott Sio, Jordan Smiler, Jean-Pierre Smith, Ruan Smith, Tom Staniforth, Nigel Ah Wong, Robbie Coleman, James Dargaville, Michael Dowsett, Rod Iona, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Lausii Taliauli, Joe Tomane, Matt Toomua, Nic White.

Last Year: Semi-Finals

X-Factor: Tevita Kuridrani is one of the most underrated Australian backs in the game.  Every time he pulls on a Wallabies jumper he looks dangerous, yet doesn’t always get the game time he deserves.  It will be interesting to see how his hard line ball running goes in a World Cup year.

2015 Chances: Well coached, and very difficult to beat at home.  Should make the top 6.

2015 Odds: $12.00

WARRATAHS

Squad: Michael Alaalatoa, Mitchell Chapman, Dennis, Tala Gray, Stephen Hoiles, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper, Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Pat McCutcheon, Wycliff Palu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Jacques Potgieter, Hugh Roach, Benn Robinson, Paddy Ryan, Will Skelton, Jeremy Tilse, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Peter Betham, Matt Carraro, Bernard Foley, Israel Folau, Rob Horne, David Horwitz, Jono Lance, Kotaro Matsushima, Brendan McKibbin, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Nick Phipps, Ben Volavola.

Last Year: Winners

X-Factor: Israel Folau is quite simply one of the world’s best.  A devastatingly good 2014 saw him jointly top the try-scoring charts and guide the Warratahs to the title.  Folau breaks tackles at will with his languid angled running, and has proved difficult to stop in domestic and international rugby.

2015 Chances: Excellent chance of repeating their 2014 win.

2015 Odds: $4.50

South African Conference

SHARKS

Squad: Lourens Adriaanse, Mouritz Botha, Renaldo Bothma, Dale Chadwick, Michael Claassens, Marcell Coetzee, Kyle Cooper, Lionel Cronjé, Jean Deysel, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Andre Esterhuizen, Monde Hadebe, Conrad Hoffmann, Ryan Kankowski, Patrick Lambie, Khaya Majola, Franco Marais, SP Marais, Beast Mtawarira, Tera Mtembu, Lubabalo Mtyanda, Waylon Murray, Lwazi Mvovo, Odwa Ndungane, Etienne Oosthuizen, Paul Perez, JP Pietersen, Cobus Reinach, S’bura Sithole, Matt Stevens, Frans Steyn, Stefan Ungerer, Marco Wentzel, Heimar Williams, Jack Wilson, Cameron Wright, Fred Zeilinga.

Last Year: Semi-Finals

X-Factor: Bismarck du Plessis is an incredibly gifted athlete.  He has size, presence, and feet, and is equally happy on defence or attack.  The brute of a man sometimes attracts controversy for his aggressive approach, but just to be clear, he has x-factor by the bicep load.

2015 Chances: They’ll be the best of the South African bunch and should be around at the business end of the tournament.  Need to get themselves home finals if they want to seal the deal.

2015 Odds: $8.00

LIONS

Squad: Marnitz Boshoff, Andries Coetzee, Robin Coetzee, Ruan Combrinck, Ross Cronje, Faf de Klerk, Steph de Witt, Ruan Dreyer, Corne Fourie, Stokkies Hanekom, Elton Jantjies, Jaco Kriel, Robert Kruger, Ruaan Lerm, MB Lusaseni, Malcolm Marx, Lionel Mapoe, Sampie Mastriet, Derick Minnie, Howard Mnisi, Franco Mostert, Martin Muller, Julian Redelinghuys, Mark Richards, Courtnall Skosan, Warwick Tecklenburg, Armand van der Merwe, Schalk van der Merwe, Jaco van der Walt, Jacques van Rooyen, Anthony Volmink, Harold Vorster, Warren Whiteley (capt).

Last Year: 12th

X-Factor: The Lions have two main contenders for their most important player.  But neigher of them have x-factpr per se.  Marnitz Boshoff is one of the premium goal kickers in the competition.  Very rarely misses and often keeps his side in the hunt.  Their baby faced captain on the other hand Warren Whitely is the engine room of the pack.  Both crucial to their chances.

2015 Chances: No chance.

2015 Odds: $151.00

CHEETAHS

Squad: Caylib Oosthuizen, BG Uys, Danie Minnie, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Martin Bezuidenhout, Stefan Coetzee, Coenie Oosthuizen, Maks van Dyk, Ewald van der Westhuizen, Carl Wegner, Lodewyk de Jager, Francois Uys, Armand Koster, Boom Prinsloo, Carel Greeff, Jean Cook, Tienie Burger, Oupa Mohoje, Willie Britz, Sarel Pretorius, Shaun Venter, Tian Meyer, Joe Petersen, Willie du Plessis, Francois Brummer, Raymond Rhule, Cornal Hendricks, Danie Dames, Francois Venter, Rayno Benjamin, Michael van der Spuy, Johan Sadie, JW Jonker, Willie le Roux, Clayton Blommetjies.

Last Year: 14th

X-Factor: His South African coach recently hailed him as the world’s best fullback, which is no mean feat when others include Israel Dagg, Ben Smith and Israel Folau.  But Willie le Roux might just be able to back up that claim with a strong 2015.

2015 Chances: Also no chance.

2015 Odds: $151.00

BULLS

Squad: Arno Botha, Jacques du Plessis, Dean Greyling, Grant Hattingh, Nico Janse van Rensburg, Werner Kruger, Lappies Labuschagne, Hanro Liebenberg, Bandise Maku, Victor Matfield, Morne Mellett, Trevor Nyakane, Marvin Orie, RG Snyman, Pierre Spies, Deon Stegmann, Adriaan Strauss, Flip van der Merwe, Marcel van der Merwe, Callie Visagie, Jaco Visagie, Bjorn Basson, Ulrich Beyers, JJ Engelbrecht, Wayne Gelant, Francois Hougaard, Travis Ismaiel, Jesse Kriel, Duncan Matthews, Akona Ndungane, Burger Odendaal, Rudy Paige, Handre Pollard, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Jan Serfontein, William Small-Smith, Jamba Ulengo, Piet van Zyl, Jurgen Visser.

Last Year: 9th

X-Factor: At just 20 years of age, Handre Pollard has already chalked up an impressive 9 test matches including when he helped stop the All Blacks impressive 22 match unbeaten record in Johannesburg.  Pollard was last year awarded the IRB Young Player of the Year acclaim, and we’re excited to see what he can do in his third year of Super Rugby.

2015 Chances: Should do okay in 2015 if they can get a couple of wins on the road.  Have a handy draw to help them on their way.

2015 Odds: $13.00

STORMERS

Squad: Ruan Botha, Schalk Burger, Manuel Carizza, Nizaam Carr, Rynhard Elstadt, Eben Etzebeth, Oliver Kebble, Steven Kitshoff, Jean Kleyn, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Siyabonga Ntubeni, Neil Rautenbach, Michael Rhodes, Jurie van Vuuren, Frans van Wyk, Alistair Vermaak, Duane Vermeulen, Michael Willemse, Demetri Catrakilis, Kurt Coleman, Damian de Allende, Juan de Jongh, Robert du Preez, Ryno Eksteen, Nick Groom, Pat Howard, Huw Jones, Cheslin Kolbe, Johnny Kotze, Dillyn Leyds, Godlin Masimla, Louis Schreuder, Jaco Taute, Kobus van Wyk, EW Viljoen.

Last Year: 11th

X-Factor: Duane Vermeulen was one of the best players in World Rugby last year.  His combative and aggressive approach unsettles plenty of opposition players and saw him nominated for the IRB Player of the Year award.  Some say he should have won, so he might have some frustration to take out on Super Rugby players.

2015 Chances: Could be the dark horses of the South African conference.  Don’t write off.

2015 Odds: $14.00

Cricket World Cup Preview – Top Wicket Takers

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

In no particular order here’s our list of bowlers we expect to be near the top of the wicket taking charts at the Cricket World Cup beginning on February 14th in Australia and New Zealand.  Odds courtesy of BetEasy.

1. Mitchell Johnson

145 matches, 224 wickets, 25.50 average, 4.82 economy rate, 6/31 best bowling

The left-arm quick has already ended a few cricket careers prematurely due to his fearsome pace, and there’s a very good chance he’ll do the same over the next six weeks.  His ability to swing the ball late in conjunction with his accurate short balls should be too much for many of the associate nations’ batsman. He’ll probably be too much for the batsman of test playing nations too.

Odds – $10.00

2. Dale Steyn

96 matches, 151 wickets, 25.14 average, 4.80 economy rate, 6/39 best bowling

With the tournament hosted in New Zealand and Australia and the threat of spin accordingly minimised, quickies will play a big role in the tournament.  One of the better quicks going around is the angry faced Dale Steyn.  The spearhead of the South African team will take his team deep into the tournament and will enjoy the swimming conditions of both host nations.  Unsurprisingly, he’s one of the favourites to top the wicket tally.

Odds – $11.00

3. James Anderson

188 matches, 264 wickets, 28.84 average, 4.90 economy rate, 5/23 best bowling

Another swing bowler that is likely to make an impression at the Cricket World Cup is England’s James Anderson.  Anderson’s major weapons are his accurate outswingers and impeccable length.  Not only will he nick off a lot of batsman, he’ll also keep the scoring rate down and take wickets by frustrating the opposition batting lineup by drying up their runs.

Odds – $21.00

4. Lasith Malinga

177 matches, 271 wickets, 27.21 average, 5.21 economy rate, 6/38 best bowling

Although’s Malinga has faced an uphill battle to get himself fit for the Cricket World Cup, we still expect him to play a huge role.  The “slinger” is one of the best death bowlers in the business and one of the most sought after Twenty20 players because of it.  An uncanny knack of bowling the perfect yorker is mixed with effective slower balls and change up bouncers in an arsenal of deliveries that will get wickets at the top and the tail of the innings.

Odds – $15.00

5. Morne Morkel

91 matches, 152 wickets, 24.69 average, 4.95 economy rate, 5/21 best bowling

At 6ft 5in Morne Morkel was never going to be anything other than a quick with steeling bounce (not Mohammad Irfan bounce, but close).  South Africa doesn’t quite have the bounce friendly draw they would have hoped for, but Morkel will still take wickets because unlike in test cricket, batsman have to find ways to score off him – they can’t just leave hime all day.

Odds – $17.00

6. Rangana Herath

67 matches, 71 wickets, 31.07 average, 4.36 economy rate, 4/20 best bowling

The first spinner on our list is the 8th best ODI bowler according to the official rankings.  Herath is a round arm leftie, who darts in tricky straight turners at an awkwardly slow pace.  His preferred mode of dismissal is bowled and lbw we also think his slow loop through the air will catch a few of his opponents short on the bigger grounds and have them caught on the boundaries edge.  Sri Lanka will be quarterfinalists at worst so he’ll get plenty of games in to take the wickets.

Odds – $26.00

7. Trent Boult

16 matches, 18 wickets, 34.94, 4.70 economy rate, 4/44 best bowling

It seems silly not to include a New Zealand when so many pundits are  predicting the Black Caps to go all the way in the tournament it seems a shame not to include one of their frontline bowlers.  But when the choice is between Southee, Boult, Vettori, Milne, McClengahan and Mills it gets tricky to pick one.  We’re going with Boult.  Complements Southee so brilliantly and makes top order batsman play more than any other opening bowler going around.  Even without the abundance of experience that others on this list have we’re predicting big things from Boult.

Odds – $26.00

8. Moeen Ali

17 wickets, 17 wickets, 37.29 average, 4.69 economy rate, 2/34 best bowling

Without Sunil Narine and Saeed Ajmal the tournament is lacking in quality spinners.  However, that doesn’t mean spinners won’t be a factor.  One spinner we think has a big role to play is England all-round Moeen Ali.  England might not play a specialist spinner in James Tredwell meaning Ali will more often than not bowl his ten overs, and with a support cast of Anderson, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes at the other end, he’ll get some cheapie brought on by the pressure they impose.  Wickets in every single game of the recent tri-series indicates he’s in form too.  We’re picking a list of Cricket World Cup wickets longer than his beard in 2015.

Odds – $67.00

9. Mitchell Starc

33 matches, 61 wickets, 21.27 average, 5.00 economy rate, 6/43 best bowling

Starc may just be the most in form bowler heading in to the Cricket World Cup out of all the contenders.  He proved just how good he is with the first two balls of the Carlton Mid Tri-Series recently; taking wickets of both of them, dismissing Ian Bell and James Taylor, and he didn’t stop taking wickets at any stage during the tournament.  Swing, and toe-crushingly good yorkers have seen Starc join the other Mitchell (Johnson) as the player performance market favourite.

Odds – $10.00

10. Shakib Al Hasan

141 matches, 182 wickets, 27.92 average, 4.26 economy rate, 4/16 best bowling

Every list has to have a smokey right?  Even so, Shakib is an absolute smokey as he will probably play three less games than some of the others.  Can he make up those numbers in earlier games?  We think so.  If his Big Bash League form (played on Australian soil) is anything to go buy.  The canny spinner averaged 13.85 with the ball in the Twenty20 series, taking 7 wickets in just 16 overs.  Probably worth a $1 punt.

Odds – $126.00