With the Springboks set to face Georgia in Nelspruit this coming Saturday, the buzz isn’t just about the clash itself — punters are already eyeing one of rugby’s most electrifying wagering markets: the first try scorer bet. This isn’t your typical odds football: predicting who breaks the deadlock can yield rich rewards — and plenty of drama.
Rugby’s uniqueness lies in its unpredictability. Both forwards and backs charge for glory, meaning the first seisure of the ball can come from anywhere. Want to ride the pace of the wing? Maybe Edwill van der Merwe or Kurt‑Lee Arendse — both speed demons who each crossed the line twice in recent Tests — are tempting picks. Prefer a burly crash-baller from the pack? Keep an eye on debut front‑rower Boan Venter or returning captain Siya Kolisi, especially if the Bok lineout maul drives into the red zone quickly.
Behind any smart bet lies factors — form, tactics and team selection. For backs, explosive form matters. Van der Merwe’s double‑try display makes him a standout. Forwards become tempting when game flow swings tight, as Georgia’s physicality could invite early rolling mauls — ideal territory for a forward to sneak in the opening try .
What punters should weigh pre‑kick‑off:
- Starting XV analysis: Rassie Erasmus has fielded a heavily refreshed side — only five retained starters from the Italy Test, with a fresh front row (Venter, van der Merwe, Fouche) and Kolisi’s return at flanker. New combinations can catch teams cold.
- Game plan cues: Will the Boks launch with blistering wide phases, or lean on early forward momentum through set‑piece dominance? A front‑row or No. 8 scorer bet hinges on this.
- Georgia’s counter: The visitors’ famed scrum and maul could open scoring via their heavy pack; keep an eye on wing Aka Tabutsadze — prolific in his national jersey, but less obvious for first‑try backing.
Here’s the thrill: get it right, and the payout reflects the long odds. Get it wrong, but fast — and you’re out. That split‑second moment of a line‑break, turnover or shift in momentum is prime territory for a first‑try shock. That’s why this market draws the adrenaline junkie in every fan.
With the 5:10 PM kickoff looming this Saturday, next to Mbombela Stadium’s roar, the betting board will light up with fresh odds. Will it be a wing emissary like Van der Merwe or Arendse? A hard‑charging forward like Kolisi or Venter? Or a dark‑horse Georgian lock? In rugby’s grand theatre, the first‑try market serves the same purpose as a dramatic opening scene — thrilling, unpredictable, and unforgettable.
Blindsided verdict: For those chasing excitement — and enhanced odds — the first‑try scorer bet is rugby’s greatest teaser. Just stay sharp on form, lineups, tactics — and expect the unexpected.
