Stan Hey: 6-5 Against
Springboks' second string still look strong
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.There's an autumnal touch to the week's first betting opportunity, the opening game of the Tri-Nations between Australia and South Africa, as an appetiser for the World Cup, now just weeks away in early September.
The Australians say that the Tri-Nations is their priority while South Africa are denying that their squad, without a dozen regular internationals, is the second string.
But there are three debutants and several players yet to win 10 caps in this morning's line-up, while Australia are trying life without their talisman Matt Giteau, dropped after last Saturday's defeat to Samoa. But there's no such thing as a friendly in southern hemisphere rugby and, with wet conditions likely, a physical slog should favour South Africa – £10 win at 100-30 (William Hill), but the title goes to New Zealand, £20 win, at 1-2 (32RED).
Let's hope for some sun next week at "Glorious Goodwood". This year it can boast the equine equivalent of Muhammad Ali v George Foreman, with the unbeaten Frankel taking on last year's winner Canford Cliffs in the Sussex Stakes. Frankel took the 2,000 Guineas and the St James's Palace Stakes with choke-out charges while Canford Cliffs accelerates into the finish. Frankel was almost caught by Zoffany at Royal Ascot and Canford Cliffs can go one better here – £20 win at 11-8 (Coral).
The summer handicap quest resumes with Swilly Ferry in the Sky Bet Dash at York today – £5 each-way, 20-1 generally.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments