Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts
January 11, 2014
August 11, 2013
August 24, 2012
Rugby Championship Match Pack: New Zealand v Australia
I cannot think of a more overrated player in world rugby than Cooper at the moment.
Recommended Bet
1pt New Zealand to win by 1-12.5 points at 3.39/4
Fresh from last week's defeat, Australia face a fearsome proposition when they take on the world champions on Saturday. The absence of David Pocock is a big blow to the Wallabies, says Geoffrey Riddle...
New Zealand v Australia, Saturday 08:45
• New Zealand have not lost to Australia in Auckland since 1986.
• New Zealand made eight clean breaks last week and beat defenders twice as many times as the Wallabies.
• The last time the two played there was in the Rugby World Cup semi-final. New Zealand were without Dan Carter and Australia played with David Pocock. The Wallabies lost 20-6.
• Not only have Australia lost captain and key openside flanker David Pockock, but Sekope Kepu, the tighthead prop, also misses out with a knee injury.
• There will be a completely different head-to-head on that side of the scrum as Tony Woodock, the All Black loosehead, also misses out and has been replaced by Wyatt Crockett.
• With Pocock leading Australia last week they still leaked more turnovers than New Zealand.
Match Preview
Australia endured the ignominy of failing to register a bonus point against New Zealand last week and must dust themselves off to face the world's best side in Auckland on Saturday. The Wallabies were within a score until Dan Carter slotted a penalty to take the score to 27-19 in Sydney.
The return leg, which sees the Bledisloe Cup in danger of remaining in All Black hands for a total of ten years, looks a fearsome proposition for Australia, who will be without their best player.
David Pocock was crucial to Australia's effort of keeping tabs on their trans-Tasman rivals last week but the inspirational skipper is injured and is in danger of missing the autumn internationals. Pocock very much helped Australia to obtain decent ball, which if they had not wasted with several unforced errors the scoreboard may well have had a different complexion.
His absence will be even more keenly felt by the side after coach Robbie Deans decided to hand Quade Cooper a recall. I cannot think of a more overrated player in world rugby than Cooper at the moment. At the World Cup he was a real hindrance to the Wallaby cause. He needed to be shunted out to fullback so that he could be shielded from heavy traffic. In professional rugby there is simply no excuse for not being able to tackle. Even Charlie Hodgson is finally learning the art. Tackling has always been about technique and guts, which Cooper clearly has little of either.
What's more, at the World Cup even his fleet of foot and sleight of hand failed him. Going into the semi-final against New Zealand he had made just two line breaks in 400 minutes of play. Quite what we are to expect, after all of this time off from international rugby, is anyone's guess. My personal belief is not very much against the All Blacks. Cooper can have his sublime moments going forward, but that is usually when Pocock is in the ascendancy and his pack provide good, quick, clean ball. With Australia's star openside very much coming off second best last week against Richie McCaw and Co, the Wallabies have little hope of being on the front foot throughout the 80 minutes.
It's all too easy to assume, however, that just because Australia are hamstrung at the breakdown, and in defence through the No.10 channel, they are immediately in line for a thrashing. Sure, Dan Carter was not around when New Zealand prevailed in the World Cup semi-final but even with the Cantabrian it is questionable whether the home side should be over two converted tries better at kick-off.
New Zealand were not profitable to back on handicaps of this size at home in the Tri-Nations and Australia may well be up against it, but not as much as the odds-makers might have you believe.
Recommended Bet
1pt New Zealand to win by 1-12.5 points at 3.39/4
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April 8, 2012
West Indies v Australia: New look home side are the value
Test previews 
/ Richard O’Hagan / 08 April 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Brathwaite builds runs against the Aussie attack
"Only 19, Kraigg Brathwaite wasn't even born when Geoffrey Boycott played his last innings, yet no player of recent years more closely replicates the Yorkshireman's 'defence first' approach to cricket than Brathwaite does."
The big-hitting big names of recent West Indies teams have gone and in their place are a collection of more nuanced individuals - and that makes the home team an interesting bet for Richard O'Hagan during their current series against Australia
Once upon a time a Test series between the West Indies and Australia would have been a battle to the death (almost literally) between the two best sides in the world.
The three Test series which began in Jamaica yesterday, however, finds both sides in a state of transition. Australia have slipped to third in the world, while their hosts have never yet recovered from Brian Lara's retirement five years ago, let alone the departures of other illustrious players over the past decade.
In many respects Kraigg - yes, that is the correct spelling - Brathwaite is an atypical West Indian player. Over the years their home crowds have become accustomed to dashing strokeplay, from the formidable years of Viv Richards et al, when teams (including Australia) would simply be steamrollered on the hard, fast, Caribbean pitches, to more recent times. Those recent times - of Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and latterly Kieron Pollard - have been the 'boom and bust' years, of players frenetically chasing runs and innings after innings ending in inevitable collapse.
Those players are now gone, chasing (for better or worse) the IPL dollar.
In Gayle's place has come Brathwaite, a player less like the stereotypical West Indian than you could possibly imagine. Still only 19, he wasn't even born when Geoffrey Boycott played his last innings, yet no player of recent years more closely replicates the Yorkshireman's 'defence first' approach to cricket than Brathwaite does. In seven Tests (imagine playing seven Tests before you turn 20) his strike rate is barely two runs an over. That's a full run per over less than that other famous Caribbean limpet, Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
Yesterday, Brathwaite faced 199 balls for his 57 runs, a thorn so firmly in the Australian side that Michael Clarke got through seven bowlers and 67 overs before he was the third West Indian to fall.
Around him were three other players who represent the future of West Indian cricket. Adrian Barath seems to have a firm grip on the other opening spot despite the odd moment of gullibility such as falling for the legside trap that saw him dismissed for 22 yesterday. Kirk Edwards has the ability to mix calmness with aggression at number three and Darren Bravo, whose entire career has been not so much saddled with comparisons to his cousin Lara as hog-tied by them, now averages over 52 at this level. Between them they took the score to 179-3 before rain brought an early halt to the day.
There was not a lot to cheer for the Australians. Asked to field after Darren Sammy won the toss, their bowling attack was so toothless that Clarke had to call upon the part-time leg-spin of opener David Warner long before tea. Although he broke the century partnership between Brathwaite and Edwards, it was with a ball so bad that Edwards seemed surprised and simply mishit it.
It could be another long day in the field for the visitors today and odds of [2.2] on a score of more than 375 look very good indeed.
The Windies remain the [6.8] outsiders to win this Test. If they can build upon their good start they will feel that their bowling attack, based more on raw pace than the line-and-length merchants the Australians have gone for, gives them a good chance of bowling out their opponents twice on this batsman-friendly pitch.
More importantly for the long term future of the game in the Caribbean, a win over Australia will lead to increased faith in this new look, new style, team.
Best Best
West Indies to win at odds of [6.8]
Another batting masterclass from Mahela Jayawardene has given Sri Lanka a chance of saving this match but they will have to carry on batting deep into the last day. As the end approaches it's worth remembering a few golden rules...
It was the Kevin Pietersen show this afternoon, who hit one of the best centuries we've seen in a while. But England will have to toil tomorrow against some stubborn batsmen and we're likely to have to wait to the...
Ed Hawkins has good reasons to be complimentary of England's display on day two and in Jonathan Trott they have a player who can help build a good lead. But batting last promises to be a nightmare so we should...
March 18, 2012
F1 Odds: Button second favourite after Australia win
Formula One / Joe Dyer / 18 March 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Jenson enjoys his W
"At [3.65] Button, backed at [13.0] to win the title, is now slightly shorter than McLaren rival Hamilton ([4.0]). Vettel retains favouritism at [3.05] but it's some way off his market low of [1.99]."
It was a great opening race for Jenson Button and the McLaren team with first and third places. The British team now occupy favouritism for the Constructors' Championship and look set to play a big role in the Drivers' competition...
Jenson Button is [3.65] second favourite for the F1 Drivers' Championship after winning the season opener in Melbourne.
Starting second on the grid, the British driver overtook team-mate Lewis Hamilton at the first corner and drove on to an untroubled victory. Hamilton finished third, the victim of unlucky timing when the safety car was deployed which allowed Sebastian Vettel to gain vital seconds and eventually force himself between the McLaren drivers on the podium.
At [3.65] Button, backed at [13.0] to win the title, is now slightly shorter than McLaren rival Hamilton ([4.0]). Vettel retains favouritism at [3.05] but it's some way off his market low of [1.99]. Button finished runner-up to Vettel in last year's Championship.
McLaren's strong showing in Melbourne has also seen them assume favouritism in the Constructors' Championship, where they can be backed at [1.76]. Red Bull, for whom Mark Webber was fourth are available to back at [2.56].
The first grand prix of the season takes place in Melbourne and McLaren have set down a marker for the campaign by taking the front two places on the grid. James Frankland can't see anyone other than Lewis or Jenson...
James Frankland continues his guide to making money on Formula One as he discusses technological innovation as well as the importance of weather and qualifying positions......
With the season set to get under way in Australia this Sunday, James Frankland explains how to make money betting on Formula One......
October 21, 2011
Rugby World Cup Results: Australia win Bronze
Rugby World Cup / Dan Thomas / 21 October 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Ben McCalman scores what proved to be the winning try for Australia
"Wales will go home with their heads held high after some magnificent performances during the tournament, but few will argue that Australia deserved to win the Bronze Final."
It was another brave performance from Wales, but Australia's class shined through in the second half meaning a last minute try and conversion for Warren Gatland's men was futile....
Wales will go home with their heads held high after some magnificent performances during the tournament, but few will argue that Australia deserved to win the Bronze Final, justifying their pre-match price as favourites [1.68].
In a relatively quiet first half, the Wallabies went 7-0 up courtesy of a Berrick Barnes try (converted by James O'Connor), before James Hook reduced the arrears with a penalty, leaving the half-time deficit at four.
The second half was a livelier affair, with Shane Williams putting the Welsh in the lead early on after showing some nifty football skills, only for two O'Connor penalties and a Barnes drop goal to put Australia in control.
The Wallabies then put the game beyond doubt when Ben McCalman scored a converted try taking the score to 21-11.
However, there was a sting in the tail for those on handicap bets as Leigh Halfpenny went over the line in the 82nd minute and Stephen Jones converted reducing the winning margin to three.
Wales (+5.5) was matched at a high of [11.0] having been [1.77] at kick-off.
Will Greenwood has been bowled over by New Zealand's excellence and believes the men in black will send the host nation into raptures with a long-awaited World Cup final victory...
Welsh hearts were broken this breakfast time as their skipper was sent off and three penalties from the boot of Morgan Parra proved enough as the French march on....
Antipodean rivals are the market leaders as final four are revealed...
June 7, 2011
International Friendly Betting: Australia v Serbia
Internationals / Michael / 06 June 2011 / Leave a Comment 
/ Michael / 06 June 2011 / Leave a Comment Lucas Neill is back from injury to help Australia maintain their recent form
"Australia are yet to lose in 90 minutes in 2011 and are undefeated in three meetings with European nations."
Serbia aren't short of motivation as they make the long trip to Australia for a reunion with the team that dumped them out of last summer's World Cup and forced them to settle for last place in Group D by beating them 2-1 in Nelspruit.
But while they will be eager to end a testing 12 months that started with failure to justify their tag as dark horses in South Africa and worsened in October with the crowd trouble in Genoa that saw Italy awarded a win over them on a high, there is reason to believe that more disappointment awaits.
The squad that coach Vladimir Petrovic has taken with him to Melbourne for this friendly - which is available for Betfair customers to watch courtesy of Betfair Live Video from 10.30am on Tuesday - is lacking some of his most experienced players, such as Nemanja Vidic, Branislav Ivanovic, Milan Jovanovic, Milos Krasic and Nikola Zigic.
Australia have let some of their household names have a rest too after a tough season in Europe, like Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell, however their selection is far less weakened than Serbia's, with captain Lucas Neill, veteran Brett Emerton and World Cup match-winner Brett Holman all included.
The Socceroos have had an encouraging 2011 to date, reaching the final of the AFC Asian Cup, where they were cruelly denied by Japan in stoppage time, and recovering from that setback with impressive friendly victories over Germany - who destroyed them 4-0 last June - and New Zealand.
They are yet to lose in 90 minutes and are undefeated in three meetings with European nations, triumphing in the last two. Those statistics indicate that they are great value at [2.12] to overcome a Serbia side that lost in South Korea on Friday.
Serbia's form has improved since that shameful night in Italy last autumn though and they have found the net in each of the last eight fixtures that they have been able to fulfil, so over 2.5 goals appears an attractive proposition at odds of [2.12].
Best Bet: Australia to win @ [2.12]
Other Recommended Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ [2.12]
World Cup winners Spain will be without some star players when they travel to the United States, but the hosts themselves will be looking to use many of their squad. Mike Norman gives his brief preview....
Friendly internationals don't come much more appetising than Brazil v Netherlands, and with goals galore expected, Mike Norman can't wait for this one....
Portugal have a chance to draw level with Norway at the top of Group H when the teams meet in Lisbon on Saturday night, writes James Eastham....
February 20, 2011
Cricket World Cup Betting: Australia v Zimbabwe
Match Previews / Ed Hawkins / 20 February 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Shane Watson could be a good bet for 50
"Of the 11 instances of associate nations beating Test-ranked sides at
World Cups, nine occurred when the underdogs were defending"
Ed Hawkins would like to back the Zimbabweans for glory in Ahmedabad on Monday but a more cautious approach is advised
London start time: 09.00
Team news
Ricky Ponting plays his first game after recovering from a broken finger while Steve Smith is also fit following a hip problem. Jason Krejza will be the main spinner, though and Australia must decide whether Shaun Tait or Doug Bollinger claims the final fast-bowling spot.
Seam bowler Ed Rainsford was injured in Zimbabwe's final warm-up match - a four-wicket loss to Ireland - meaning Tinashe Panyangara has a chance to come into the XI.
Venue and conditions
The average first-innings total in the last 10 ODIs at Ahmedabad's Sardar Patel stadium is a massive 282. Six sides have passed 300 or more in those matches. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 85 there against West Indies in 2006 and 141 against Sri Lanka just a few weeks later. If Australia bat first, check prices for them to breach 300.
Match odds
Australia have a weakness against spin bowling it would appear. In their warm-up matches against India and South Africa they have been strangled by the spinners and on the face of it, Zimbabwe look capable of tying them in knots, too. The slow-bowling of Prosper Utseya, Ray Price and Graeme Cremer could be a potential threat.
But what stops us supporting Zimbabwe at [21.00] outright - Australia are [1.04] - is that the pitch doesn't appear to suit spin. Of the top 10 wicket-takers in the last 10 ODIs, only three are twirlers. And the surface looks so good for batting that it seems hard to see Australia getting bogged down, especially with Shane Watson so dangerous at the top of the order.
The best advice is to back Zimbabwe only if they bat first because they should be capable of runs. Once the market recognises they are no mugs with the bat, a back-to-lay should present itself.
Of the 11 instances of associate nations beating Test-ranked sides at World Cups, nine occurred when the underdogs were defending
Top batsman - Australia
Runs have come at the top of the order in matches at this ground so Watson is an understandable favourite at [3.15]. You can also back him for a 50 at [2.00]. He has had 16 scores between 30 and 70 in the 27 matches he has played in the past 13 months. Ponting is [5.00] for top bat and [1.90] for a 50.
Top batsman - Zimbabwe
Brendan Taylor is head and shoulders above the rest of his batting teammates in terms of talent. In the last 12 months he has 723 runs. Tatendu Taibu, his nearest rival, has 574. Taylor is [4.00] for honours while one would expect Taibu to be a little bigger than [4.70] given the statistics. Taylor is [2.40] for a 50.
Featured market
There have been four centuries in the last two matches and in an immature market you can get [1.70] about a fifth.
Best bets: back-to-lay Zimbabwe if they bat first at around [18.00], back S Watson for a 50 at [2.00]
January 31, 2011
Fifth ODI Betting: Australia v England
ODI preview / Andrew Hughes / 29 January 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Watson is coming home
"The home side are still a work in progress, but they have the firepower to triumph in these conditions"
England's spirited showing in Adelaide came at just the right time with the World Cup round the corner and it means this series is still alive with three to play. Andrew Hughes previews Sunday's action in Brisbane
Venue and Conditions
The ground has not been affected directly by the devastating floods that swept through Brisbane earlier this month and we can expect a typical Gabba wicket, offering plenty of pace and true bounce. Strokeplayers like Shane Watson will be in their element and there will be something for the fast bowlers too, particularly given that the groundsman has left a healthy covering of grass on the wicket.
Team News
It seems unlikely that England will make any changes, unless one of the team that won in Adelaide has picked up a knock subsequently. Michael Yardy and Matt Prior appear to have cemented their places and if there is to be a change, it could be that Chris Tremlett is rested and Chris Woakes gets a game.
Given the extra bounce in the surface, Australia will be desperate to get one or ideally both of Mitchell Johnson and Shaun Tait back into the side after their respective injury problems. They may not want to play two spinners, in which case, Xavier Doherty or Steve Smith will miss out.
Match Odds
England have given themselves a glimmer of a chance of winning the series by putting together a much better all-round performance in Adelaide. At just the right time, out of form players like Prior and Yardy turned up and Johnathan Trott's century was well-timed, although in the long term, his useful bowling spell might prove to be of more significance. The return of James Anderson lends their bowling a degree of menace it had lacked in the first three games.
But Australia have three more chances to put the series to bed and I think they will do it in Brisbane, particularly if both Johnson and Tait are fit. The pitch is more conducive to their fast bowling-dominated attack and they should cause England plenty of problems, whilst the likes of Watson, Cameron White, David Hussey and Brad Haddin should relish the true bounce of a typical Australian pitch. The home side are still a work in progress, but they have the firepower to triumph in these conditions and I will be backing Michael Clarke's men at [1.92]
Top Batsman
It will be an emotional return to Brisbane for local boy Shane Watson. Australia's man of the series so far, he has been in devastating form at the top of the order and will be determined to put on a show for his home crowd. He is the form horse and the one to be on at [4.5] or so in an Australian batting line up that hasn't always fired.
One or two England batsmen are looking good at the moment and many will want to back Trott to continue his excellent form. But this kind of pitch is tailor made for Kevin Pietersen's free-flowing game and batting at four is not a problem for such a quick scorer. He should be backed at [5.0] or better
Featured Market
The average top score on this ground is 91 and I think there is some mileage in backing 'Over 82.5' in the Highest Individual Score market at [1.86] or better.
Andrew Hughes says: Back Kevin Pietersen to top score for England @ [5.0]
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