PUNTERS have deserted the British and Irish Lions on the eve of the deciding test with Australia (11.05am KO) in Sydney.
Ladbrokes report a sensational turnaround in betting behaviour and are forecasting the busiest match in rugby betting history.
David Williams of Ladbrokes said: “Betting has gone berserk ahead of the Sydney showdown. We've never seen interest like it and we're fully braced for the busiest in-play match of all time.”
The Lions had been favourites for every match on the tour – until now. Australia are odds-on at 10-11 with the Lions the outsiders at 11-10. It's 16-1 the match ends all square at 80 minutes.
Williams added: “We've been staggered by how quickly the punters have deserted Gatland's men. We never thought we'd see the day when the Aussies were more popular with punters than the Lions. That day has now arrived.”
Ladbrokes offer 7-4 all the Lions' points are once again scored by a Welshman, 14-1 Aussie captain James Horwill is given a card and 33-1 the Lions win the match with a drop goal.
If the last placed kick of the match is missed as it was in the first two Tests, Ladbrokes will refund all outright match bets placed before kick-off. Paddy Power will refund all losing try scorer bets on the match if that's the case.
Fans of Betfred's Double Delight and Hat-trick Heaven should note the promo is being offered on the game so if you pick first try scorer and he touches down again your odds will be doubled and then tripled if he grabs a third, however, unlikely that is.
Ladbrokes specials: 14-1 – Aussie skipper James Horwill to receive a yellow or red card, 33-1 – Lions to win with a last-ditch drop goal. 66-1 – Lions to win with an Owen Farrell last-ditch drop goal.
Man of the Match betting: 8-1 Leigh Halfpenny, 12-1 George Smith, 25-1 Alun Wyn Jones.
I've found it tough to pick a winner but the momentum is with the Aussies and the Lions struggled last time out. Morale in the camp doesn't seem at its best after the omission of Brian O'Driscoll and Gatland's left himself open to claims of bias by picking 10 Welsh starters.
I hope I'm wrong but I fear for the Lions. However, having tipped them to win the series I feel duty-bound to back them at 6-5 with Paddy Power.
There was just one try in the last match with the Lions never looking like scoring. It will be even more tense this time out so I don't expect many scores and Ladbrokes' 4-5 on under 3.5 tries tempts me.
Recommended Bets
Lions
(6-5, Paddy Power)
Under 3.5 tries
(4-5, Ladbrokes)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
Tipped both ties but this one is hard to judge draw very possible given how close both ties were with last minute drama.
Enjoy
Eric, some start for the Lions, 16-3 ahead already. Glad I was confident about them winning but it’s early days.
Brilliant game – N Hemisphere ref made the difference, as did the Lions finally turning up.
Well done for keeping the faith, Mr F. It had amazed me the turnaround in general perception of the quality of the two sides.
The UHT, Lions finally showed what they’re all about. I wasn’t too confident before the match but felt I had to keep the faith after tipping them for the series.