Sports Then and Now

Last year’s Six Nations Championship ended up being a rather strange one for each of the teams involved. As the tournament progressed, the threat of Covid-19 became ever clearer, and in the end much of the tournament was forced into postponement. In the end, England didn’t claim the title until October 31^st, over seven months after the competition had originally been scheduled to finish.

For every team, it’s perhaps difficult to read too much into their performances at last year’s Six Nations. It’s fair to say that no particular team stood out, and even though England got their hands on the trophy, heading into the final round of fixtures any of three teams could have ended up winning it, with France and Ireland both in with a shout before England sealed the deal with a win over Italy.

In Ireland’s case, last year’s third-place finish is difficult to analyze given the unique circumstances surrounding their campaign. After all, it was Andy Farrell’s first Six Nations in charge after replacing Joe Schmidt as head coach, and the impact of the pandemic certainly didn’t help as Farrell tried to find his feet in the job.

South Africa has been lucky enough to host some of the most epic sports events in history, and we haven’t stopped there. Alongside some international events, our proudly South African country hosts a variety of successful annual sporting events too! 

With the pressure on, and excitement practically tangible, these events bring some thrilling opportunities to take part in online sports betting. So, what are some of the biggest sports betting events of 2020?

Annual South African Soccer Events

Telkom Knockout Cup 

This soccer fan favourite event sees sixteen Premier Soccer League teams go head to head for the highest paying cup in Africa. The total prize money amounts to R14.2 million. The Telkom Knockout Cup will take place in August 2020.

Premier Soccer League (PSL) 

1997 saw the rise of South Africa’s top soccer league where SA’s 16 best soccer clubs competed annually. It gave local players the opportunity to play professional soccer and put them on the map to be discovered by international teams. 

Annual South African Cricket Events 

The SuperSport Series

This four-day cricket event brings together six provincial teams. Broadcast all over the country, this event began for the purpose of improving the overall cricket skill that local teamscan compete more successfully in international games. 

The six teams that participate in the SuperSport series are the Dolphins, Highveld Lions, Cape Cobras, Titans and the VKB Knights. Over the four days, the best teams prove themselves, and a final is played on the fourth day to determine the overall winner. 

Rugby is not just a game, no. It is also natural medicine for those who value their mental and bodily health. Additionally, playing rugby has many health benefits. Although rugby looks quite aggressive and traumatic, it is indeed beneficial for your health in some ways you might not even suppose. Here the experts of Parimatch discuss the leading health benefits you can enjoy by playing it.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

Let’s start the health benefits list with the heart. When you play this game, your heart benefits enjoys good health and reasonable heartbeats. These benefits result from activities such as sprinting, running, and throwing because they encourage the heart to function more effectively.

Reduced Stress Levels

Stress is the new mental health pandemic killing our generation because when prolonged, it leads to other health complications. For instance, it produces insomnia, abdominal complications, cancer, and diabetes.  Fortunately, you can reduce your stress levels by playing rugby. How does it happen? When you engage in such a team game, it boosts your mood because rugby acts as a stress and frustration release point. It also releases the “feel good” hormones or endorphins that enhance your feelings. 

Besides, playing rugby exposes you to opportunities to triumph over challenging situations. Consequently, your ability and morale to face stress-causing circumstances off the pitch increases.

For rugby fans, the year drawing to a close signals that the next Six Nations Championship is not far away. The countdown to everyone’s favorite annual international rugby tournament has begun again. In 2019, the Rugby World Cup offered an added bonus, but now that the dust has settled on a cracking tournament in Japan, attention is being turned to the bread and butter of the Six Nations.

It seems an age since Wales won the Grand Slam at the 2019 Six Nations. As we gear up for another campaign, let’s take a look back at some of the highlights from the last edition of the tournament.

Grand Slam glory for Wales

The 2019 Six Nations was a golden one for Wales and their coach Warren Gatland. They sealed a third Grand Slam success under Gatland’s leadership with a 25-7 win over Ireland in Cardiff. It was a well-deserved triumph, as Wales blew away all opposition before them. 

It’s been a strange few years for Australian rugby. Since reaching the World Cup final in 2015, where they lost out to New Zealand, the Wallabies have experienced something of a decline. Where once Australia were one of the most feared sides in world rugby, results have become more hit-and-miss, with every step forward seemingly being tempered by two steps back.

A recent victory over New Zealand in the Rugby Championship will have given hope to Aussie rugby fans that brighter times may lie on the horizon, but there could be a ways to go before we can consider Australia on the same level as New Zealand, South Africa, and Wales.

The upcoming World Cup offers Australia the perfect chance to reaffirm their traditional place as one of the top three or four teams in the world. The latest world rugby rankings have Australia in sixth position, but a strong showing in Japan could see the Wallabies rise up the ladder towards the top once again, even if the latest Rugby Union odds from Betfair cast the Aussies as outsiders.

England

England may go into the tournament with low confidence if their recent run of defeats continues. Despite that, they have a very strong squad and their admirably reliable kicker Owen Farrell provides outstanding leadership from anywhere on the pitch, be it in the centre or at fly half. Farrell will look to push his side to victory next spring after a disappointing outing in this year’s tournament with England finishing fifth overall.

Exciting duo Elliot Daly and Jonny May bring a touch of flair to the side and their form in the tournament, along with the team fixing their recent defensive frailties, will have a big impact on England’s success this time out. England rugby could use a lift after some disappointing results and the Six Nations is the perfect opportunity to return to the top.

Ireland

Irish rugby is in a healthy state at the moment as evidenced by some impressive performances recently, most notably a victory against New Zealand in a friendly, only their second ever win against the All Blacks. A glorious grand slam win of this year’s Six Nations, in which they defeated all five opponents, has resulted in them being the huge favourites in the next tournament. The Irish are currently ranked number two in the rankings.

Hugely experienced full back Rob Kearney has been imperative to that recent success. The most decorated player in Ireland’s history, Kearney has over 80 caps for his country and provides the experienced knowhow crucial to being a successful number 15. Read the rest of this entry →