South Africa vs Romania Predictions: Rugby World Cup Betting Tips, News, Lineup

South Africa resume their Rugby World Cup title defence when they lock horns with Romania on Sunday.

The Springboks made a winning start in their quest for a record-breaking fourth triumph with a hard-earned victory over Scotland, while Romania gave Ireland an early scare before eventually succumbing to the world’s top-ranked nation.

South Africa vs Romania Betting Tips

• Romania +68 Handicap – 10/11 with Sky Bet
• Mbonambi & Vermeulen Anytime Tryscorers – 17/10 with bet365
• Makazole Mapimpi to score 2+ Tries – 4/7 with bet365

Tip 1

Romania were hammered by world number 1, Ireland last week and it doesn’t get much easier up against world number 2, South Africa, in round 2. The Springboks are likely to rest some first team players and, with the prospect of heavy rain, the scoreline might not be as heavy as last week.

This is still South Africa though, and they should be picking up a handsome win, regardless of the team they send out. It might be a little closer than many think though, with Romania improving on their result against Ireland.

Tip: Romania +68 Handicap – 10/11 with Sky Bet

Tip 2

Two players who may profit from the slight rotation in the South Africa side are Bongi Mbonambi and Duane Vermeulen.

Mbonambi will line up as the hooker for South Africa, putting him on the front foot against a weak Romanian side, whilst Vermeulen should also be deployed as a forward. This gives both men a great chance of collecting points for their team and you can find both to score a try at 17/10 with bet365.

Tip: Mbonambi & Vermeulen Anytime Tryscorers – 17/10 with bet365

Tip 3

The man with 23 tries in 39 games for his country should line up in his preferred wing position and is odds on to get across the line against Romania.

We’re backing him to score 2+ tries with his ability to find space and move past players putting him in prime position to do some damage to the Romanian defence.

Tip: Makazole Mapimpi to score 2+ Tries – 4/7 with bet365

South Africa vs Romania team news

Jacques Nienaber has made 14 changes from the victory over Scotland on matchday one, with sole survivor Damian Willemse switching from full-back to fly-half.

South Africa: Willie Le Roux, Grant Williams, Canan Moodie, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Damian Willemse, Cobus Reinach; Ox Nche, Mbongeni Mbonambi, Vincent Koch, Jean Kleyn, Marvin Orie, Marco van Staden, Kwagga Smith, Duane Vermeulen.

Replacements: Deon Fourie, Steven Kitshoff, Trevor Nyakane, RG Snyman, Jasper Wiese, Jaden Hendrikse, Faf de Klerk, Jesse Kriel.

Eugen Apjok is unlikely to make too many alterations to the Romania side that played against Ireland.

Gabriel Rupanu scored all eight of the Oaks’ points in that game, and will likely lead the charge from scrum-half.

Romania: TBC

Replacements: TBC