Coral are best price for Springboks to win; BEAT THE BOOKIE.

Byline: NEIL HARNETT

SOUTH Africa have been all the rage to beat the Lions in today's second Test and they're now 4-11 from 4-9 with Coral to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Having just lost the opening encounter 26-21 despite a brave late comeback, the tourists are 2-1 from 7-4 to make it 1-1 while it's 10-11 they win on the handicap today with a seven-point advantage.

The 3-0 correct score has been punted heavily too, the bookies were laying 5-4 before the first Test and they are now a best price 8-11 with Ladbrokes.

Today's game takes place in Pretoria at Loftus Versfeld and much has been made about the 1,214-metre distance above sea-level. While this year's Lions squad will arguably be a lot fitter than those in previous years, they should still find it difficult playing in such conditions.

South African coach Peter de Villiers has kept the faith with the team that won in Durban, making just one change to the team, although British and Irish Lions boss Ian McGeechan has made five changes.

Coral are obviously keen to oppose the hosts as they again are a best price 2-5 for another Boks' victory, whereas Totesport go just 2-7.

For those who do not want to take such a skinny price then there is an alternative. Victor Chandler are offering 5-6 for over 41.5 total points to be scored in the match. This looks a generous price, even with South Africa's stingy defence. It should be considered as the altitude will exhaust players, making gaps appear in the second half when the sprinters could find tacklers falling off or not making up the ground.

There are some proven scorers on the field for both sides and the Lions need to attack. Add in the chance of longer ranges for penalty kicks at goal and it looks a great bet.

The final of the Confederations Cup takes place tomorrow between Brazil and the USA but it's today's third place play-off that has caught my attention. I noticed some time ago the propensity for plenty of goals in third place play offs -

all of the previous eight such games in the World Cup have featured three or more goals. The last two play-offs in the Confederations Cup have also featured three or more and with Spain contesting South Africa today, there's a good likelihood we'll see a few goals again -

the odds against quote for over 2.5 goals from Bet365 is my suggested bet here.

BEST BETS THIS WEEKEND South Africa-Lions over 41.5 total points at 5-6 (Victor Chandler) Spain-South Africa over 2.5 goals at 21- 20 (Bet365)

CAPTION(S):

CHEQUE MATE William Hill's Stephen Ramsey with The Journal's Kevin Dinsdale (right). Beat the Bookie's charity bets raised over pounds 1,500 for the Puffin Appeal and Tyne and Wear Autistic Society.