DURBAN – Ah, the Dunhill Links... Tis the OctoberFestival of the game, with a mix of sports stars, celebrities, musicians and those who know the right peeps, all hosted on a sexy threesome of thrillers for four days.
If you get too jelly of the action, pull into Papwa’s track for a quick Nina (9 holes, hombrés) and a nibble on Sunday. It’s not quite Carnoustie, Kingsbarns or the Old Course, but until we crack that invite from Oom Rupert, that is our links...
It’s international break for football and being the penultimate round for all regions, things are hotting up for Mother Russia 2018 qualifications.
In Africa, Mali vs Ivory Coast, Nigeria (5/10) vs Zambia (8/10) and Libya (33/10) vs DR Congo (1/1), Guinea (7/2) vs Tunisia at (9/10) and Egypt (3/10) vs Congo Brazzaville at (9/10).
The bones be screaming Naaija and the Pharoahs at pozi, and Congo, the Ivorians and Tunisia on the road.
Bafana Bafana take on Burkina Faso in a last-ditch effort to have any chance of qualifying, which is something we rarely do nowadays. Sorry to say, but I see flames.
Europe pretty dry, but look out for England at 3/10 at home to Slovenia at 12/1. England and goals, baba. There is also Georgia vs a ‘’Baleless’’ Wales, Norway vs Iceland and Austria vs Serbia.
There is rugga for days, and even those “rose” petals are back from a week off, brought about from too many injuries. What a bunch of wimps.
In the Kiwi factory of future stars, look out for are Otago at 3/10 vs Bay of Plenty 5/2, Northland vs Waikato and Southland vs Wellington.
Go with Home/Home/Away, all on points.
The Cheetahs are settling in after a shoddy start in the PRO14, which was to be expected.
They host dazzlin’ Dave Rennie’s Glasgow Warriors at 17/10 tonight, and are eight-point favourites and 5/10 for the straight win. This may be a shady call, but I reckon Rennie’s boys nick this one.
Stuart Baxter is still hopeful that Bafana Bafana can qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Photo: Steve Haag/BackpagePix
Treviso 1/10 host the manky Kings at 6/1 and a saucy Leinster 4/10 vs Munster 2/1. Don’t worry, our kiff broadcasters won’t show it, vele, but go Leinster.
The Rugby Championship has the oh, so hot All Blacks in the beautiful Mother City, with a bipartisan crowd, laaitie!
There could be some big carrots served up, unfortunately.
Look for high scoring, so go over 54 points at 9/10 and ABs on the spread, as I fear Mzansi hasn’t quite learnt yet, and need a home crowd to put them in their place.
The Aussies flew from Vrystaat to Buenos Aires, for the battle of the wooden spoon. Vamos, Pumas!
Currie Cup is also at its penultimate round, and actually shapes up to be a cracker weekend of high scoring.
Cheetahs 2.0 (33/10), take on the bumbling Bulls (3/10). The Pumas (3/10) meet Griquas (22/10) in an eliminator, and the Lions 9/10 host Province 9/10. Bones sees an upset, so go with away sides (*wink).
All Black Bones, outta sight!