South Africa vs Namibia Rugby Tips

South Africa meet Namibia at the Toyota Stadium for their 2019 Rugby World Cup clash in what is a true David vs Goliath clash. The Springboks have made 13 changes but still have far too much quality for their neighbours. I don’t see this being a competitive match and expect the Springboks to run riot.

South Africa kicked off their World Cup campaign with a disappointing 23-13 defeat to New Zealand at the International Stadium in Yokohama. Despite that result the Springboks should cruise through the rest of the pool.

Head coach Rassie Erasmus has made 13 changes to his starting line-up for the clash with Namibia with Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi the only players retained. Prop Trevor Nyakane has returned home due to injury with Thomas du Toit replacing him in the squad.

The team picked for this clash by Erasmus show that they want to play at a high tempo. Expect the loose-trio of Francois Louw, Kwagga Smith and Schalk Britz to dominate the breakdown area. The half-back partnership of Elton and Herschel Jantjies will get good quality possession to dominate.

Winger Sbu Nkosi has scored eight tries in nine matches and could have a field day against Namibia. Nkosi can be backed at 2.30 to score 2 or more tries and 6.00 in the first tryscorer market.

The Springboks are heavy favourites to hammer their neighbours who are ranked 19 places below them. There is value in South Africa to cover the -53.5 handicap at 2.29.

Namibia are the lowest ranked team at the World Cup but they showed some quality in their 47-22 defeat to Italy at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium. This week they come up against a far better side despite the fact that the Springboks have made 13 changes.

The last time they met was at the 2011 Rugby World Cup where the South Africa ran out 87-0 winners. I see something similar this time around.

Head coach Phil Davies has reported no massive injuries although we can expect a couple of changes.  Centre Johan Deysel is the captain and key figure for Namibia. He is one of very few players that plays high level club rugby.

Namibia can be backed at a whopping 50.00 for an outright win but it’s not going to happen. They are at a lower level than most professional rugby clubs or unions and I can’t see them getting anywhere near the Springboks.

South Africa and Namibia have met on two occasions. In a 2007 Rugby World Cup warm-up game the Springboks defeated them 105-13 and at the Rugby World Cup in 2011 it ended 87-0 to the Springboks at the North Harbour Stadium.

Namibia can be backed at 50.00 to achieve the impossible while the Springboks are comfortable favourites at 1.00. A draw will pay 19.00. In the handicap market Namibia are valued at 2.35 to cover the +41.5 handicap. South Africa can be backed at 2.29 to cover the -53.5 handicap while Sbu Nkosi is valued at 2.30 to score two or more tries. To be the first try-scorer Nkosi can be backed at 6.00. 

South Africa and Namibia are both very physical teams but the team selected for this match by the Springboks points to a fast-paced game. If they get that right Namibia could be in for a hammering.