Where you should put your money on the Test matches this weekend, according to MARK KEOHANE.
Last weekend brought with it some success. Although the Boks went down in Dublin, having money on the 'cap certainly took the sting out of the loss. The big win of the weekend came at Twickenham, where the All Blacks' second-half fightback came as expected. For those who follow this column, the 5/1 on offer for a New Zealand comeback victory was easy money.
France vs Wallabies
I went against the Wallabies last weekend and got burned. They were lucky to get out of Cardiff with a win, but win they did. Saturday's match against France is an interesting one. The French have been terrible under Philippe Saint-André, but they're always capable of springing a surprise. The bookies seem uncertain of how this will go, with both teams on offer at 19/20 (R390 returned for every R200 wagered). It's anybody's game. The French have a decent record in this fixture, if you overlook the hammering they took two years ago, and I've got them to sneak it by five points at 19/20.
England vs Springboks
The Boks came unstuck badly in Dublin. Their performance was as listless and error-strewn as any I've seen under Heyneke Meyer. There will be a reaction at Twickenham. However, England are also coming off a sobering defeat. They need a victory as much, if not more than the Boks. A result against one of the top two teams would've been the minimum requirement from the November Tests a year out from the World Cup. While my heart would love nothing more than a Bok victory, my head is telling me that the English will sneak it by the narrowest of margins.
Scotland vs All Blacks
The All Blacks showed last week why they're the best side in the world. After an early English onslaught, there was only ever going to be one outcome. I called it perfectly. This week they've got the luxury of making 13 changes to their starting XV and still go into the match as overwhelming favourites. However, the Scots are a proud bunch and under Vern Cotter they seem to have turned a corner. Scotland have been given a 23-point head start by the bookies. With all their changes, I don't expect New Zealand to overcome that. Even if they are the best side in the world.
Keo's weekend picks
England 15/20
France 19/20
Scotland (+22.5) 9/10
Treble 55/10
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Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images
