Take on the Tipster

Time to show your teeth: Lions

It all comes down to 80 minutes at altitude this Saturday as the Boks stand on the verge of avenging events of 1997 at Loftus Versfeld.

This really is what the rugby public waits patiently for every four years - a second Test fixture that will climax with either an all-square scenario ahead of Johannesburg or the British & Irish Lions staring down the barrel of a series whitewash.

Can the Lions get back on the horse? Will South Africa keep their replacements' tracksuits on until a more decent hour? All of these queries will be clarified in less than 24 hours time...I cannot wait!

The statistics and history seems to favour the hosts, with the Lions having never come from 1-0 down to win a Test series against South Africa. The only time they ever did turn matters around was against Australia back in 1989.

On the other hand, the tourists have been victorious in three of their four Tests against their hosts at Loftus - in 1955, 1974 and 1980 - so if you're a punter who takes a look at patterns and the like, there is your fillip.

And so to Saturday's choices...

The Tipster has once again studied all markets and will be looking to follow up last week's close shave with a full house from Sydney, Christchurch and Pretoria's games.

Those aforementioned venues will witness Australia taking on Les Bleus while the All Blacks are hunting some rhythm against a probably exhausting Italy at AMI Stadium.

So let's see what our anonymous man has for us this time around as Planet Rugby once again teams up with Sky Bet to pick out the best betting options on offer.

Banker of the week

We have to start in Pretoria where the Lions have their backs firmly pressed against the wall, knowing they can't afford another sleepy start à la the Durban spectacle.

The tourists were undoubtedly shell-shocked by the Springboks' intensity and with those much debated playing conditions taken into account, this game has SA's name all over it.

Ian McGeechan has brought in the bulk of Simon Shaw, Adam Jones and Matthew Rees in five changes to shore up the scrum while opposing coach Peter de Villiers recalls the physicality of 49-times capped flanker Schalk Burger for the second Test.

But set-piece solidity will not be enough to take matters to Jo'burg and I expect the Lions to endure a forgetful final week on tour much like 2001 and 2005.

South Africa (-8) to beat the B&I Lions!

Worth a shot

Events in Christchurch will not be as straightforward as many pundits expect. The All Blacks will come away with victory but by a winning margin of more than 34 points, I think not.

The Italians were strong in stifling Australia over the past two weekends and are starting to play with greater balance as their partnerships and positions bed down.

NZ's crop is anything but cosy though, as injuries continue to dog their camp ahead of the Tri-Nations, with the added heat of tournament selection hanging over player's heads.

So get on the Azzurri (+34) to beat New Zealand!

Hail Mary

Just the three notable fixtures on offer this weekend so here we go...

New Zealand, Australia, South Africa

Stake - £5.00 = £BIG Return!

Anything take your fancy?