THE MONEY MAN is betting on Scotland to beat Samoa by 11-plus points and qualify for the World Cup quarter-finals.

As you may or may not have noticed I have been very circumspect around dispensing advice during this World Cup, and for good reason! The bookies must be smiling all the way to the bank.

So far I am 2-1 but am down R525. I placed a couple of R200 bets on top try-scorer, Julian Savea, who is leading with five tries, and if that comes off it pays R1,100. I also took Handré Pollard for R200 to win R900 that he would be top point-scorer in the tournament. He is currently fourth with 38 points and may still catch Nicolás Sánchez who has 51.

The R1,000 I put on total points being more than 2,460 in the tournament is not fairing that well. So far 1,404 points have been scored and with 20 games to go, I need an average of 52.85 points per game, which as we get deeper into the tournament seems unlikely.

The reason I made these bets was to have an interest in every game because I knew I would not be betting on them all.

For Tuesday's matches, I like the 14/10 on offer for Canada to be leading at half-time and full-time. I am putting R500 to win R700 on this happening.

The next game that has appeal is on Saturday when Scotland take on Samoa, who have looked dreadful. I will be putting R1,000 on the Scots to beat Samoa by 11 points or more to win even money.

I like Australia to beat Wales by eight or more points for R1,000 to pay R900.

As for the rest, I’ll just cheer for high-scoring games and hope Pollard and Savea keep adding to their point and try tallies.

I did say after Super Rugby that I fancied the Springboks to win this World Cup and beside the massive hiccup against Japan, the Boks are taking shape nicely. I still think they have a clear run into the semi-finals where with some luck they will play France, but they are equally capable of upsetting the All Blacks.

Good luck on whatever you decide.

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