Jonny Wilkinson scores helped England beat France 14-9 last night to advance to the 2007 Rugby World Cup Finals to defend their title against the winner of the South Africa vs Argentina match. Today’s Semi-Finals between South Africa vs Argentina is scheduled for 3 PM EST from the Stade de France in Paris. Online sportsbook Bodog has South Africa -10.5 point favorites.
Juan Martin Hernandez of Argentina will be asked to keep his superb play in top form if the underdogs are to make it to the finals. Hernandez has turned into the Maradona of rugby and even wears his country's No 10 shirt and his uncle, Patricio, played football alongside Maradona on the squad at the 1982 World Cup. The oddsmakers at Bodog have Argentina at +250 odds to win against South Africa.
“Argentina should be the favourites really. They are one of the few major teams in this extraordinary tournament who have performed at a level anywhere near or beyond their potential or expectation,” stated Michael Lynagh of the Observer in a recent article about the 2007 Rugby World Cup Semi-Final match between South Africa vs Argentina. “The word major in that statement is also important. Argentina are a major nation despite the belief that they aren't. They have won big Tests all over the world and are ranked at number four, above many of the more established rugby-playing countries.”
Butch James and Fourie du Preez are South Africa's best player at scrum-half and is a quality player but it would be a surprise to see a team with James at out-half lift the Webb Ellis trophy. South Africa's best hope may be in Francois Steyn at 12 who is extremely talented and has the ability to make big plays while single-handily can win or lose matches.
Lynagh went on to say this about South Africa’s chances in the 2007 Rugby World Cup Semi-Finals, “South Africa have everything to lose in this match. They, in normal circumstances, should win. But this is not a normal situation. Argentina were tight against Scotland. They were favourites in that match and played like they just wanted to make sure of the win and nothing else. In this match they really haven't got anything to lose. They will be less constrained and therefore more dangerous.”
Bodog has posted rugby betting odds to win the 2007 Rugby World Cup Semi-Final match between South Africa vs Argentina at 3:00 PM EST:
South Africa: -10½ (-105)
Argentina: +10½ (-125)
South Africa: -350
Argentina: +250
Draw: +2000
37½ (-115)o
37½ (-115)u
