South Africa's Best Bets This Week

This Week's Sporting Preview

November international rugby takes centre stage this week as the Springboks begin their Nations Championship campaign against Italy in Turin on Saturday. There is also a busy programme of international rugby across Europe, while the Carling Knockout returns to the spotlight in South African football and the UEFA Champions League continues in midweek.

Springboks begin Nations Championship campaign

South Africa face Italy on Saturday in the first of three Nations Championship fixtures before the competition's finals weekend later this month. Rassie Erasmus has named six uncapped players in his 37-man touring squad, with France and Ireland awaiting the Springboks after their opening match in Turin.

The Nations Championship also features Ireland vs Argentina on Friday, followed by Scotland vs New Zealand, Wales vs Japan and France vs Fiji on Saturday. England host Australia on Sunday in another major international clash.

The World Rugby Nations Cup adds six more international fixtures to the weekend programme. Romania face Tonga on Friday, while Saturday brings Georgia vs Canada, Portugal vs Chile, Spain vs Uruguay and Zimbabwe vs Samoa. Hong Kong China host the USA on Sunday.

With the United Rugby Championship on a break, international rugby will dominate the headlines throughout November.

Carling Knockout takes centre stage

The Carling Knockout is back in focus, with Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and the remaining contenders looking to progress in the competition.

Sundowns face Golden Arrows, Pirates meet Sekhukhune United and Chiefs take on Siwelele, while Stellenbosch and AmaZulu complete the four ties. Match dates and kick-off times are awaiting confirmation.

The cup fixtures arrive with the Premiership title race already gathering momentum. Sundowns lead the standings, but Pirates remain close behind with a game in hand, adding further interest to both clubs' domestic campaigns.

Champions League and Premier League football

European football provides another busy week of betting previews, beginning with the UEFA Champions League in midweek. The competition continues to bring together Europe's leading clubs as the league phase progresses.

Attention then turns to the English Premier League over the weekend, with Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City, Crystal Palace vs Liverpool and Manchester United vs Aston Villa among the fixtures to watch.

International cricket and Pro20 Cup

Test and ODI cricket remain part of the week's coverage, with New Zealand vs India in the one-day international series and Bangladesh vs West Indies and Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe in Test action.

On the domestic front, the YesPlay Pro20 Cup continues with Super 8 fixtures involving the Dolphins, Cobras, Warriors, Boland, Lions and other provincial sides.

The combination of international cricket and South African domestic T20 action provides a varied programme alongside the week's football and rugby.