Hey guys and girls, The Weekender is back, a preview of the sport coming up this weekend. Just finished watching a thrilling English victory over Sweden which contained three lead changes. Good to see two teams looking to go for the win rather than a draw. To be honest it really is a bunch of rematches this weekend apart from the Euros, international rugby teams are playing the same teams and the Heat v Thunder is the only NBA basketball left. That is why these previews will be sweet and short.
International Rugby
All Blacks v Ireland- The AB's are looking to do a lot better this week after a scrappy but promising 42-10 win last week. I think the All Blacks could easily break the 50 point mark this week and with the game being in Christchurch, the first test there since the earthquake, extra motivation will not be needed.
Prediction- All Blacks 52 Ireland 20
Australia v Wales- This series is a lot closer, a try only separating these two last week. I think the Welsh could beat the Aussies but I still see them losing in a tight match.
Prediction- Australia 25 Wales 24
South Africa v England- As long as England lose I am happy. South Africa will win in altitude. Penalties galore! P.S- I didn't know Thomas Waldrom was eligible to play for England!
Prediction- South Africa 27 England 21
NBA Finals
Thunder v Heat- This series is going to be a close one. After the Thunder won Game 1 at home the Heat stole one away in Game 2. The series goes to Miami now where I see the Thunder coming back from a poor performance in Game 2 to win Game 3.
Prediction- Thunder 102 Heat 98
Euro 2012
Greece v Russia- All the teams are still in with a chance to advance so the games aren't going to be boring affairs. Russia has looked sharp so far and should deal with Greece with ease.
Prediction- 2-0 Russia
Poland v Czech Rep- The host country have a great chance to advance but the Czech Republic are good and I can see a lot of goals in this one as both teams go for the win.
Prediction- 3-1 Czech Rep
Portugal v Holland- Holland, the team I predicted to win the whole tournament, has now become the most disappointing team in the whole tournament. The Dutch are in disarray, they can't defend and they can't score (see Van Persie photo above) but they are still have a mathematical chance of winning. If they defeat Portugal by over three goals and Germany beat Denmark then they are through. That isn't going to happen, the Dutch gave up before the tournament started it seems, they can't wait for this all to be over.
Prediction- 3-2 Portugal
Germany v Denmark- Collusion could be in play here as the Germans and Danish could play out for a draw and they could both advance. Germany should win this match but I think they want to knock Holland out of the tournament so a dull draw seems likely unless the Holland v Portugal result says otherwise.
Prediction 1-1 draw
Sports betting time
If you followed my picks and put some money on them last week you would have made some serious money. I was three for three with the fourth one pending. The Michael Vickers 'safe as houses' bet did not work out unfortunately but there is always the next week-
Holland v Portugal- Head to Head- Portugal- $2.80
Holland are playing so bad and can't recover from where they and Portugal still need to win to be assured a place in the quarter-finals. How the Dutch are $2.40 favourites is beyond me, take Portugal and be set to get really good returns for realising the Dutch are rubbish.
Heat v Thunder- Combined Points- 195 points & over- $1.90
Both teams are high scoring and I believe the Thunder will offensively turn it on in Game 3 as they had a slow start in Game 2. High scoring affair for sure.
South Africa v England- Winning Team & Margin- South Africa 12 & Under- $2.65
Easy enough call to make, South Africa at home, like scoring through penalties. They are playing England who only score points from penalties. Close game and I back the home side with altitude on their side.
New Zealand v Ireland- New Zealand Total number of tries- Over 4.5- $ 1.82
This line I feel is way to low, it should be at least one try higher. The AB's did not play well last week and they still scored over five tries. Another week of training to knock the rust off and these guys are going to smash the Irish and get you some money.
Michael Vickers 'safe as houses' bet- last week Andrew Hore (paying $22) didn't get the first try in the AB's v Ireland. Now its obvious that a few of you put some money on this last week as the line for Hore this week has dropped down to $17. This week is a Rugby League bet involving the Warriors vs Sharks. The bet is for who will score the last try of the match- a bet you don't see much. Paul Gallen the Sharks captain is paying $25. After watching him lead NSW to victory in State of Origin this past week I feel that he carries on that form to score the last try of the match. I have a good vibe about this one.
Hope you enjoy the sport on offer this weekend, safe travels.
Peace
Photo sourced from funnyjunk.com
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