If this sounds like you, then get ready to put your money where your mouth is.  Loftus Versfeld and the Blue Bulls Company have signed up with Voltbet (SA’s leading online sports betting platform), to bring you a SA first: betting on your favourite team online as you watch the action unfold live in the stadium.

This new sports betting experience will kick off on 24 February when the Vodacom Blue Bulls take on the Sharks in the first match of the Super 15 Series.  As a sports fanatic, you will be able to experience the game you live for on an entirely different level at Loftus Versfeld.

“It was an obvious choice for us,” commented Mark Barnes a blue-blooded Bulls supporter and Chairman of Purple Capital, the controlling shareholder of Voltbet.  “The number one online sports betting company and the number one rugby team joining forces, what isn’t obvious about that?  Sport betting is happening everywhere else in the world so we are making sure SA fans are not missing out on the fun.  We feel so confident that we have signed a 3 year partnership with the stadium and the team.”

With a killer entertainment line-up planned at games, Voltbet will introduce the partnership with over R1 million in prizes up for grabs – only at the stadium!  So fans will want to come early.  The Voltbet team will be on hand to help you out with Voltbet’s easy online registration and betting process, after sharing a few personal details*.  Registration can be done before the game or via www.voltbet.com on your cellphone.

Get more out of the game with the Voltbet scoreboard which will keep track of betting odds throughout the game and allow fans to make bets throughout the match.  This is part of the stadium and Voltbet’s commitment to doing things differently bringing fans the experience they deserve and have been waiting for.

“Loftus Versfeld and The Blue Bulls Company are two powerful premium sports brands,” commented Voltbet MD, Daniel Kustelski.  “With a strong and passionate fan base, the Vodacom Blue Bulls owns the rights to the Loftus stadium, which makes them the ideal team for Voltbet to partner with. We plan on bringing fans the ultimate sports experiences every match day.”

“We are proud to partner with Voltbet as we work towards giving our fans so much more to enjoy than just the game,” concludes Barend van Graan, CEO of the Blue Bulls Company. “I think that the success of the Blue Bulls brand in all competitions as well as the popularity of our players and franchise will encourage our fans to participate in this fun-filled betting experience. Knowing that thousands of fans are rooting for you and betting for a positive outcome will also inspire our players to give their all at every match.”

If you agree, then you know what to do – go to www.voltbet.com to learn more.

*registration details can be found on www.voltbet.com.

Richard Levi is the name on everyone’s lips (and no doubt a few IPL scouts speed dials) after his world record 13 sixes in an undefeated century in the 2^nd T20 on Sunday. The innings was nothing short of amazing and lifted the spirits of the South African team that had come off something of a hiding in the opening match.

New Zealand have their own form man as well in Martin Guptill who until the incredible knock by Levi looked like being the star of the series. Both men are very proficient in clearing the boundary ropes (Guptill has done so 5 times and Levi 14 in the two matches) and as you will see below they are the men most likely to decide my fate from a betting perspective.

First up though let’s have a look at selected markets

Outright
New Zealand 11/8 South Africa8/13

Most Sixes
New Zealand 5/4, the draw 6/1 and SA 11/10

Bare in mind you can also bet on which side will score the most runs in the 1^st 6 overs and which side will have the highest opening partnership amongst others.

Prediction
These T20 games can be lotteries at the best of times and credit to you if you backed SA to bounce back from that opening defeat. They have momentum on their side now but in truth I see very little between the teams in this format and I can’t bring myself to take the 8/13 on offer.

I do fancy them to win though so how about sticking with one of my personal favourites the “Most Sixes” market which is where I always turn when I am looking for an interest but am not confident or cannot find value in the match result.

Even in a heavy defeat SA managed 7 sixes to New Zealand’s 4 in the opener and then Levi’s 13 maximums was enough to see them pass the 9 hit by New Zealand in the 2^nd ODI.

I feel the SA have an edge in the big hitting department and the 11/10 they hit more sixes holds more appeal than backing them to win the match at shorter odds. Of course there is the chance they win but don’t get more sixes but the converse is true and they could go down as they did in the 1^st T20 but the bet could still arrive.

The Knights go into this game as the early pacesetters although they arguably had the better of the Duckworth/Lewis calculation which saw their opening fixture of the tournament against the Cobras end in a tie. The Knights looked to be in trouble at 119/5 chasing a target of 182 for victory when the heavens opened in Kimberley.  The Knights were subsequently in Centurion for a meeting with the Titans last Sunday and they came out on top by five wickets, chasing down the Titans total of 165 with four balls to spare.

The Dolphins have played just the one match so far and they clung on for a three run victory in Maritzburg against the Impi’s. The Dolphins total of 151 looked to be under threat with the Impi’s needing eleven runs off the last over with five wickets in hand but the Dolphins held their nerve. There was no Chris Gayle for the Dolphins at the weekend but he is now reportedly with the squad and is having treatment on the injury which delayed his arrival. Watch the media for news of Gayle’s chances of starting this game, he has been smashing the ball to all parts in the Bangladesh domestic T20 tournament and will be looking to mark his debut in style if given the green light to play.

The Knights have two batsmen who have made a half century so far, van Wyk and Hendriks both raised their bat against the Titans whilst van Jaarsveld top scored with 43 in the Dolphins clash with the Impi’s. The Knights hit seven sixes against the Titans on  Sunday whilst the Dolphins managed just three against the Impi’s.

In the head to heads in the shortest format of the game, these teams have met in nine T20 matches with the Knights having won six to the Dolphins three.  When the teams met in a 50 over contest at this ground earlier this season it produced a thriller with the Dolphins edging it by one run but the Knights were comfortable 100 run plus winners in the return in KZN.

On the betting front, the Knights are likely to start firm favourites to win the game at a price around 7/10 and there are a number of exotic markets also available.

Conclusion
Purely on the evidence of  Sunday’s matches I would have to come down on the side of the Knights here. However, one man can make a huge difference in this format of the game and should Chris Gayle be declared fit, you can expect the odds against the Dolphins to shorten significantly.

I will stick with Knights in any case, they look well a balanced side to me and there is no shortage of hitting power in their own ranks. The Knights have the wood over the Dolphins in T20′s historically and can extend their unbeaten start to the tournament

Prediction: Knights to win.

Stats  
Head to Head
16 Feb 2012 – Porto 1 Man City 2

Form
Man City
16 Feb 2012 – Porto 1 Man City 2
12 Feb 2012 – Aston Villa 0 Man City 1
4 Feb 2012 – Man City 3 Fulham 0

Porto
19 Feb 2012 – Vitoria 1 Porto 3
16 Feb 2012 – Porto 1 Man City 2
12 Feb 2012 – Porto 4 Uniao Leiria 0

Prediction
Man City will look to eliminate the Europa League holders and will take a lot of confidence into this match after the manner of victory in Portugal last week where Sergio Aguero scored a last-gasp winner to give Porto a serious dent in morale. The Citizens have won each of their 12 EPL home matches this season and look good for a win on Wednesday. Porto have never won in England on their previous 14 visits but will have fond memories of European ties in Manchester as they famously beat Man United in 2004 with Jose Mourinho in charge. Porto are without suspended defender Alvaro Pereira and Danillo is likely to miss out due to injury. Hulk is expected to carry the strike force with Varela and Rodriguez in support. Man City are expected to name a strong side which should see the return of the Toure brothers. Silva and Aguero should continue upfront. With just one goal separating the sides, the tie is far from over but given Man City’s superb home record and Porto’s poor record in England, I can only see one winner and will be backing Man City to win at 6/10. The Halftime/Fulltime with Man City/Man City is trading at 13/10 for the more risk averse.

Stats  
Head to Head
N/A

Form
Marseille
18 Feb 2012 – Marseille 1 Valenciennes 1
5 Feb 2012 – Marseille 2 Lyon 2
1 Feb 2012 – Marseille 2 Nice 1

Inter Milan
17 Feb 2012 – Inter Milan 0 Bologna 3
12 Feb 2012 – Inter Milan 0 Calcio 1
5 Feb 2012 – Roma 4 Inter Milan 0

Prediction
The big team news for Marseille is that striker Loic Remy is unavailable for this match and that is a huge blow as he is their star man. Remy joins Omrani, M’Bia and Gignac on the Marseille sidelines. Inter Milan are without Milito, Alvarez, Stankovic, Walter Samuel and Gaurin for this clash and the Italians have lost five and drawn one of their last six matches in all competitions. It will take a brave man to back Inter Milan to get something from this match and they will need a big performance from Diego Forlan, who has failed to find his feet at his new club. Marseille should be too good for Inter Milan here and will need Brandao to lead the attacking line. The Brazilian is a very good striker and I expect Marsielle to approach this match with the goal of killing off the tie by winning well at the Stade Velodrome. I really fancy Marseille in this fixture and make them the best bet in the Champions League this week! Go on Marseille, you good things!

Stats  
Head to Head
16 Feb 2012 – Ajax 0 Man United 2

Form
Man United
16 Feb 2012 – Ajax 0 Man United 2
11 Feb 2012 – Man United 2 Liverpool 1
5 Feb 2012 – Chelsea 3 Man United 3

Ajax
19 Feb 2012 – Ajax 4 NEC Nijmegen 1
16 Feb 2012 – Ajax 0 Man United 2
11 Feb 2012 – NAC Breda 0 Ajax 2

Prediction
Man United have scored in every match with the exception of one this season and with key players like Ashley Young returning to full fitness, they look like they have plenty of goals in them. Dimitar Berbatov is expected to be handed a start and he will be keen to impress boss Sir Alex Ferguson. Man United are still without Vidic, Valencia, Lindegaard, Anderson and Michael Owen while Ryan Giggs faces a late fitness test. The key for Ajax will be the performance of Dmitri Bulykin, who scored a brace on the weekend. The Ajax midfield will be severely tested and Siem de Jong and Christian Eriksen will need to be on top of their game at Old Trafford. Ajax are without the likes of Boerrigter, Ooijer, Sigthorssson, van der Wiel and Janssen. The Ajax injury problems, boardroom drama and poor European form of late suggests that Man United are going to cruise to victory. Man United are heading to their most important phase of the season and I expect them to demolish Ajax on Thursday. I suggest a big punt on the Halftime/Fulltime market with Man United/Man United trading at 7/10 and also suggest a bet on the Over 2.5 goals at 7/10. I might even have a small punt on Over 3.5 goals at 7/4 as I could see Man United winning this 3-1 or
4-1.

The roadshow moves on to Hobart which stages its first match of the tournament and as the two earlier meetings between these teams have been shared one a piece, it might take some unraveling. Australia beat Sri Lanka by five runs in Perth in match three but Sri Lanka turned the tables in Sydney in match number six, coming out on top by eight wickets.

As far as the team news is concerned, Australia’s selectors have called time on Ricky Ponting’s ODI career after axing him from the remainder of the series after he failed to make double figures in any of his last five matches. Shane Watson who has been recovering from injury comes back into the squad as does Ryan Harris, though Watson’s participation here will depend on a fitness test.

The men in form for Australia include David Hussey who has amassed 244 runs in five knocks although no Australian has made a century so far. Ben Hilfenhaus produced the best Australian bowling display of this series in their previous game against India returning figures of 5/33. That 110 run win over India in match seven put Australia back on track after two earlier defeats and they have now won three and lost two of their five matches.

Sri Lanka will meet India prior to this game being played and their tournament has begun to take shape after they lost their first two matches. A subsequent tie with India and the aforementioned victory over Australia has kept them in the hunt. Having dismissed Australia for just 158 in Sydney where three of the hosts batsmen were run out, they ought to be bullish about their chances.

The teams have met in 45 ODI’s staged on Australian soil with the hosts winning 34 to Sri Lanka’s 11.

Conclusion
With senior players relatively thin on the ground, the hosts could be a risky proposition right now although the way they put India away last time out was chalk and cheese to their horror show against Sri Lanka in Sydney.  Hilfenhaus could make the difference with the ball in comparison to the earlier meetings and should Watson return it will be another major boost. With the games coming thick and fast, the Australians could also benefit from having enjoyed a couple of days extra rest which the schedule has not afforded to the Sri Lankan’s in preparation for this meeting.

That rest and recuperation factor should not be underestimated and whilst there is a degree of trepidation in this selection, I will take Australia to come out on top.

Prediction: Australia to win

Stats  
Head to Head in Auckland
Round 1, 2011 – Blues 24 Crusaders 22
Round 14, 2009 – Blues 13 Crusaders 15
Round 1, 2007 – Blues 34 Crusaders 25

Pre-season Form
Blues
17 Feb 2012 – Blues 29 Highlanders 12
12 Feb 2012 – Rebels 21 Blues 31
4 Feb 2012 – Blues 36 Hurricanes 22

Crusaders
19 Feb 2012 – Rebels 14 Crusaders 19
13 Feb 2012 – Hurricanes 8 Crusaders 19
3 Feb 2012 – Crusaders 47 Highlanders 19

Prediction
Jerome Kaino faces a late fitness test after his eye injury from last week in the only major concern for the Blues. Ma’a Nonu is not ready to play for the Auckland outfit as yet. The Blues forward pack will rely on the experience of Ali Williams, Woodcock and Boric and they will need to be on top of their game on Friday. It will be interesting to see if Weepu starts at 10 or Pat Lam opts for the young Gareth Anscombe. The Crusaders will have Dan Carter at flyhalf and he will be raring to go after his injury kept him out of the RWC Final. The Crusaders backline looks superb on paper and I expect tries in this match. Both sides won all of their pre-season matches and these two are the main contenders for the NZ Conference. I am going to side with the Blues to win this match by 5-10 points and will take a punt on Blues -2.5 on the handicap! Voltbet have also introduced a Total Points market and I would suggest going Over 42.5 points at 9/10. This should be a fantastic match! Go the Blues!

Stats  
Head to Head
N/A

Form
CSKA
16 Feb 2012 – Shakhtar 2 CSKA Moscow 2
9 Feb 2012 – CSKA Moscow 2 Timisoara 0
3 Feb 2012 – CSKA Moscow 0 Evergrande 1

Real Madrid
18 Feb 2012 – Real Madrid 4 Racing Santander 0
12 Feb 2012 – Real Madrid 4 Levante 2
4 Feb 2012 – Getafe 0 Real Madrid 1

Prediction
CSKA Moscow are without their goalkeeper, Igor Akinfeev who hasn’t recovered from a knee injury and striker Vagner Love, has returned to Brazil during the winter break. Former Liverpool winger Mark Gonzalez and Japanes playmaker Keisuke Honda are also ruled out. Real Madrid are without Angel Di Maria and Lassana Diarra but take a very strong squad to Moscow. Benzema and Higuain are expected to start upfront with Ronaldo, Callejon, Khedira and Xabi Alonso making up the midfield. Casillas will start in goal with the usual back four. It is a formidable Real Madrid side who are playing breath taking football. Real Madrid have scored 2 or more goals in 6 of their last 7 league games and should dominate this match from start to finish. CSKA Moscow have been playing friendlies this year and have won 2, drawn 1 and lost 2. The Russian outfit should be rusty and I don’t think they will cope with Real Madrid’s attacking threat. Real Madrid are a bit short at 9/20 so I will be backing the Halftine/Fulltime market with Real Madrid/Real Madrid trading at 9/10!

It is hard to fathom just what has happened to Pakistan since their excellent win over England in the Test Series. They came into the ODI’s with a brilliant record but have been outplayed in all 3 matches and with the series lost all they can hope for now is to win the dead rubber and avoid a 4-0 defeat.

While their bowlers have struggled to get on top of the opposition it is the Pakistan top order that has been the problem and quite where the runs are going to come from is hard to say.

England on the other hand has Cook in sublime form and even Kevin Pietersen came to the party with a century in the 9 wicket win last Friday.

Betting
England are outright favourites at 8/10 with Pakistan available at 1/1 a prospect that seemed very unlikely at the start of the series.

The other market that interests me is the “Most Sixes” where Pakistan are 13/10,England are 5/4 and the tie is 4/1.

Verdict
I look at this Pakistan team and feel they simply must click at some point but time is running out and even at 1/1 it is hard to put them up with any confidence. It may be worth waiting for team selection and then if England make significant changes then have a go, but I am once again going to stick with the “Most Sixes” market.

In betting your long term success is influenced by how often you get the value and in a market which often has wild fluctuations I think the 4/1 about the tie (both teams hit the same amount of sixes) is a decent price.

Even in a 9 wicket victory England only managed 4 sixes to Pakistan’s 3 in the 3^rd ODI and prior to that they had finished level in the 1^st and 2^nd ODI’s albeit in Abu Dhabi. It is speculative for sure but in a match where I feel I can’t trust Pakistan I am going to have a small interest that they finish level in this department.

Prediction
Pakistan and England to hit the same amount of sixes at 4/1