Planet Rugby

Take on the Tipster

12th June 2009 13:15

Cory Jane in AB training gear

All dressed up: Cory Jane

Internationals dominate this weekend after Perpignan wrapped up the final club title on offer in 2009 - but that doesn't mean the schedule is any less hectic.

The British & Irish Lions bandwagon has now rolled into Cape Town while there's plenty of Test action, Pacific Nations and Junior World Cup fixtures to keep the Tipster earning his keep.

Unfortunately his most recent selections fell agonisingly close as Clermont let the side down in all three sections. But seven days on, our anonymous man will look to go one better as Australia, WP, Argentina and New Zealand hope to make their home advantage count.

It will be a tough ask for those touring down in Australasia though, with France certainly in better shape than the Italians of causing an international upset after sending an improved squad than that of 2007.

The Azzurri meanwhile, have a huge mountain to climb in Canberra before they head off to Melbourne and then to face the All Blacks, capping a daunting few weeks for Nick Mallett...

So let's see what the Tipster has for us this time around as we once again team up with Sky Bet to pick out the best punts on offer.

Banker of the week

Four wins from four and it's onto Newlands for the British & Irish Lions where they will meet Western Province.

It will be their penultimate fixture before the first Test, so those looking to sneak into the Durban line-up must perform to their maximum in order to impress Ian McGeechan in order to avoid Southern Kings selection.

The Scot has selected a completely different XV than the one that ran away with things against the Sharks, meaning this group will be fresh and hungry to make a point in the forecasted rain and possible thunderstorms.

All four nations really seem to have bought into what their coaches' gameplan and ethos is for that matter, which means this weekend should be no different than midweek with another victory posted and by a decent margin to boot.

Get on the Lions (-16) to head into the Test week full of confidence!

Worth a shot

Called in for the injured Rudi Wulf at late notice, Dunedin will witness a full-back on the wing in the shape of Cory Jane, who lines up alongside Mils Muliaina and Joe Rokocoko.

The 26-year-old Hurricanes player recently admitted when handed his All Blacks debut kit that he promptly went upstairs to his hotel room in order to try on the new uni - and I fancy him to make his further chance count against Les Bleus this Saturday.

Have a punt on Cory Jane for first try-scorer against France!

Hail Mary

International fixtures dominate the southern hemisphere venues so it's feast for spectators to mull over...here are the Tipster's picks.

New Zealand, Australia, British & Irish Lions, England

Stake - £5.00 = £BIG Return!

Anything take your fancy?

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