Julian Savea to score 1st try and New Zealand to win – 9/1
What will we talk about this Saturday morning when we’re bleary eyed tucking in to our bacon and eggs? Did I hear you say ‘immortality’? Yea, that seems like an apt little topic alright. Sure it’s exactly what’s on the line at 8.35am in Auckland – if you believe Sky Sports.
The series decider between New Zealand and the British and Irish Lions may not be quite on that level in the hype-o-meter, but the final test in Auckland does promise to be some spectacle.
Unfortunately for the Lions that win over a 14-man All-Blacks outfit last week will have angered the hosts no end and everybody knows you don’t make New Zealand mad – just ask Brian O’Driscoll’s right shoulder.
Having not lost back-to-back tests since 2009, we can’t see it happening here either and if you throw in superstar winger Julian Savea to grab the first try on top of an All-Black win, you can dot down a Kieran Read-sized 9/1 punt.
After all, Savea gets more whitewash on his face than any painter you’ve ever met, thanks to a stellar record of 46 tries in 53 tests for his country.
Why not a ‘try’ a few Lions punts at Paddypower.comDrop Goal and Yellow Card in the match – 8/1
We’ve already seen these tests to be more ill-disciplined than the contestants on Love Island. Nigel Owens would have had a field day if he was allowed the whistle this weekend.
Instead it’s Paul O’Connell personal favourite Romain Poite who’s the man in the middle and people on all four shores that make up the Lions country know he’s not afraid to go to the pocket.
Also, with everything on the line don’t be surprised to see the almost forgotten drop goal rear its head like Anthony Watson into Sonny Bill’s shoulder.
Can you really rule it out with the likes of Johnny Sexton, Owen Farrell and the gorgeous boot of Beauden Barrett on the field? We’re tipping both events to crop up on Saturday.
New Zealand to win by 11 – 15 points – 5/1
Finally, we’re mauling over the All-Blacks to repeat their performance from the first test and capture the Lions to net a win by 11 – 15 points at 5/1.
Warren Gatland’s men have found discipline a problem all tour and while they’ll dig their claws in for as long as they can, we just see it telling in the end.
The New Zealand press are baying for a scapegoat after last week’s loss, but with only two losses (the Lions and Ireland) in 25 tests you just can’t see them giving the media a chance to mock Steve Hansen like a clown, as they did to Gatland.
Unfortunately, we just can’t see the Lions being the ones left laughing when the series finally ends.