Wales v South Africa Betting Tips [27 October 2019]

Wales take on South Africa in the semi finals of the world cup. After a quarter-final that was decided by the swing of an elbow, Wales will know they cannot rely on such turns of fortune in Sunday’s showdown with South Africa. There will be no swirling unpredictability from the Springboks, as there was with the French. From the first whistle to the last, it’s going to be a bruising bombardment on the minds and bodies of Warren Gatland’s men. If the Welsh give an inch, they will be duly punished. There can be no lulls in concentration or intensity. Not against South Africa. Regardless of whether or not Wales deserve their semi-final berth, having been taken to the very edge by Jacques Brunel’s side last weekend, they’ve shown in Japan what they’re capable of. South Africa are a far more settled, streamlined side. In Handre Pollard they have a unwavering source of composure and poise – a stark contrast to the fly-half troubles of the Aussies. Pollard’s boot played a crucial role in grinding down Japan last weekend, taking him to 126 career RWC points and into the all-time top 10 in the competition. Wales’ discipline must be on point to avoid handing the Springbok a similar platform with which to assert himself. Gareth Davies’ sniping and kicking will keep the Springboks on their toes, while the return of Jonathan Davies brings a sharp edge to Wales’ backline – on both the front and back foot. And if Justin Tipuric and Aaron Wainwright, who was named man of the match against France, can continue to impose themselves in and around the breakdown, as they’ve done for much of the tournament in Japan, then the South Africans may find themselves struggling to deliver the quick service needed to unleash their dangerous wingers.

After seeing their campaign brought to an end by South Africa four years ago in England, Wales now have the chance to make amends and, in the process, reach the final of the tournament for the first time in their history. The recent encounters between the two teams suggests Gatland’s men may have the edge – they have won the last four matches – but that will ultimately count for little in the unique, suffocating conditions of a World Cup semi-final. We are backing the men in red to win.