John Smit: Smiling on July 4?
Domestic tournaments are, if not already, drawing to fascinating finishes on the eve of the biggest event of them all - another mouth-watering British & Irish Lions tour.
The world champions on Monday coolly welcomed the tourists back to South Africa following twelve years away, with one expecting sizeable fireworks throughout June's three-Test series in Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg.
But have no fear from big bad Bakkies and 1997 veteran Simon Shaw as - from in front of your television screens - the Tipster's all over the markets that are worth a larger than normal punt (due to altitude of course).
The five-week trip promises to throw up plenty of twists and turns along the way that could shape how Test results go. And of course, dreaded injuries have already reared their ugly head in both camps.
But by July 4 the victors will have earned their stripes and I for one cannot wait for the plethora of four-yearly action, which both the Springboks and underdog Lions head into full of optimism.
So let's see what the Tipster has for us as he picks out what Sky Bet has to offer on a weekend that includes the Top 14's last four either side of the Bulls and Chiefs battling it out for Super 14 supremacy...game on!
Banker of the tour
The 2009 British & Irish Lions series is extremely difficult to predict, with many pundits opting against sticking their neck on the line for any New Zealand-like whitewashes.
I would have to concur with such tight calls and the planned schedule of playing at altitude for the final two Test matches means it's vital that the Lions get on the front foot with victory in Durban's opener.
But from then on it's literally an upward slope, which has led to the 'Correct Score' banker being Peter de Villiers' men doing what the tourists did to them back in 1997.
Get on the Springboks to claim a 2-1 success over the Lions!
Altitude punt
Despite not enjoying the most profitable of seasons for both Ospreys and Wales, there is once again huge expectation on the slight shoulders of winger Shane Williams.
Named in the opening Lions line-up alongside team-mates Tommy Bowe and Lee Byrne, the Tipster et al are predicting this trio could get quite comfortable in their respective jerseys.
For that reason it's a punt at Top British & Irish Lions Try-Scorer for Shane Williams!
Hail Mary
Four teams are thrown into the mix for this weekend's long shot so without further ado...
Toulouse, Bulls, Perpignan, Lions (-32)
Anything take your fancy?
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