The latest Goodforthegame newsletter penned by @BrentGraham with best bets for the weekend 28th, 29th June
The Chiefs let me down badly last week. Although they only lost by 4 points, the margin probably flattered them in what turned out to be a fantastic final to watch. Once again, we had a true “game of two halves” — 25 points scored in the first half and just 3 in the second.
A Brief Pause Before the Storm
This week is a quiet one from a rugby perspective, but things ramp up on all fronts next week with a packed calendar including:
- International Rugby – Boks v Italy the obvious highlight
- The Tour de France – Pogacar v Vinegaard should make riveting viewing
- The Hollywoodbets Durban July where the build up is already beginning on GFTG – look out for our video content in the lead up to the race where our man Mackem has an interest in Royal Victory who finished 3rd last year, he will have to do it from a very wide draw though and is currently 20/1.
Click here for the latest July betting and a word on each horse.
Get your account open at Hollywoodbets – they have a 15% deposit bonus for all punters up to a maximum deposit of R30 000.
Click here for the Durban July forum thread.
THE HANDICAP - Return of The Oracle!
Thursday night’s episode of The Handicap had only 1 one guest — but what a guest! The Oracle joined us, and although with1 guest and 2 matches a quick show could be expected, we nearly breached the half-hour mark.
My total talk time was just shy of 180 seconds ….
It was great catching up with Gav, who — as always — shared some excellent punting strategy and insights.
Click here to watch on X.
Click here to watch on Facebook.
Click here to watch on Planet Stream.
WEEKEND PLAYS
Lions to run amok in Perth!
This is not a weekend I’ll be heavily involved in. I did get in early on Lions -16.5 on Monday, and as the line moved while posting the preview, I also suggested Lions -19.5 against the Force. As expected, the handicap has now ballooned and there is -27.5 on offer.
The points line is 59.5 and conditions look good (cold and cloudy but dry) and I am drawn to the Lions line of 44.5. They beat this comfortably in both of their opening games in SA in 2021(reason for mentioning this stat is to show that the Lions take the early games seriously as players compete for a few of the remaining spots) and this Force side leaked plenty points in Super Rugby and is missing a few players.
Click here for the Force v BIL preview
BET: 4 units* Lions over 44.5 points at 9/10 at WSB**
*As I am already involved on the early minus I won’t be backing this one to avoid over exposure, this would be my bet were I not already on the minus
**This line has moved out a point since the preview was posted last night but I am discounting penalties and see the 43.5 and 44.5 as basically the same line (need at least 7 tries, 5 must be converted for the overs to land)
Boks v Barbarians to be played in the wet!
The Springboks have their first outing of 2025, taking on a strong-looking Barbarians team in Cape Town. The weather is not looking great, and the points line is 55.5. The Boks are currently -15.5, and in the end I have settled on a Baa Baa under 19.5 play but not with much confidence and it doesn’t make the newsletter.
Click here for the South Africa v Barbarians Preview
Russell to double up at double digits!
With so little rugby rather than a rugby acca for a double digit play lets take a look at the Austrian F1 GP taking place tomorrow.
George Russell is coming off a win in Canada and he won this race last year. At 10/1 he looks worth a play.
This bet also comes with some insurance in that you can get your stake back should he run 2nd and details of how to claim are in the preview in the WSB Blog
BET: 1 units Russell win at 10/1 at WSB
Other Highlights on GFTG
- UFC 317 promises plenty of action and the preview in the WSB blog
- Chris’s previews for the Round of 16 clashes in the FIFA World Club Cup
Have a great weekend everyone and enjoy the calm before next weeks storm!
Cheers
BG
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