Expect a low-scoring encounter in third and final Lions Test

Lions Vs Australia

Rugby Union
Published: 06/07/2013

Not since the final of the 2003 World Cup in Sydney have I looked forward to a game of Rugby Union so much as I have this third test between the Lions and Australia. Unlike that time I will not be depending upon someone with a mobile phone in the crowd passing on the score as I receive my degree. I have the morning clear to watch what should be a cracking game and you should too. Here is the guide to the best of the bets from the final and deciding Test.

If the drama on the pitch can match the drama off the pitch this week then we could be in for a classic on Saturday. Before we even got to the ANZ Stadium in Sydney we have had debating points. First the controversial decision to allow Australia Captain James Horwill to play in the game despite an apparent stamp in the opening Test. Later that week Warren Gatland make the brave decision to drop Brian O’Driscoll for the final Test a move that he will be slaughtered for if the Lions do not win this match and claim their first series victory since 1997 and their first against Australia since 1989.

So far the series is tied at 1-1 with both games settled by the smallest of margins. The Lions emerged victorious in the first test 23-21 before the second test finished 16-15 to Australia. It is tough then to predict who will come out on top in the third test.. For the first time it is the Lions who are the outsiders at 5/4 (CORAL) with the Wallabies the 20/21 (STAN JAMES) favourites. History is not on the side of the tourists as this is the third deciding game between the pair and on both occassions the side who dropped the series opener went on to win the following two games. The Lions can take heart from the fact they have won nine of the 13 meetings between the pair in Sydney though Australia have won two of the last three. The Wallabies have played 31 tests at the ANZ Stadium and won 22 of them though have won just one of their last six.

Those looking for a bet in the tryscorer market will see that Israel Folau and George North are both 10/1 (GENERAL) to grab the opening try while Tommy Bowe can be backed at 11/1 (GENERAL) and Joseph Tomane at 12/1 (GENERAL). Those looking for a bet on no tryscorer can do so at 16/1 (GENERAL).

The final bet I would recommend is in the total tries market where uner 2.5 at 6/4 (SPREADEX) looks the way to play it. The second Test did not feature one try as both offences seemed to be struggling to fire. You can expect more of the same in the third Test as so much is at stake and these sides know each other so well by now. Also consider the under points on the match which are set around 39/40 despite the last Test producing just 31.

BEST OF THE BETS

GOLD: Under 2.5 tries, 6/4 (SPREADEX)
SILVER: Under 39.5 points, 10/11 (boylesports)
BRONZE: Under 33 points, 2/1 (paddy Power)

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Any odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of publishing (06/07/2013) but are subject to change.

06/07/2013     © Frixo 2024

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