The Tri Nations Cup was first contested in 1996 when South Africa, New Zealand and Australia formed SANZAR and pitched the Wallabies, All Blacks and Springboks against each other in one of the world's premier rugby competition.
The Trophy has been won eight times by New Zealand (1996, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2007) and twice each by South Africa (1998 and 2004) and Australia (2000 and 2001). Australia's 2000 Tri Nations series victory came thanks to Stirling Mortlock penalty goal on the bell against South Africa in Durban. Australia retained the trophy the following year, when Toutai Kefu scored a match winning try in the dying seconds against New Zealand at ANZ Stadium (formally known as Stadium Australia).
In 2002, The Tri Nations trophy went to the All Blacks, who won three out of their four matches. They dominated the series again in 2003. In 2004, South Africa defeated the Wallabies in the last match of the series to win the Trophy while in 2005 the All Blacks lost one Test on their way to their sixth Tri Nations victory. In 2006, the All Blacks again dominated the tournament before claiming their seventh title. Last year New Zealand won the Tri Nations for the third consecutive year, defeating Australia at a rain-soaked Eden Park 26-12 to secure victory. Holders New Zealand begin the defence of the Cup with a home tie against the Springboks at the Westpac Stadium, Wellington on Saturday morning Irish time.
Based on South Africa's impressive showing in their June Test matches against Wales, the World champions look a good bet to wrench the title away from New Zealand. South Africa's final three games in the competition are at home, with two of the fixtures pitting them against the Wallabies. At 5/2 South Africa look a solid bet.

2008 Tri Nations Outright Betting
New Zealand, 10/11, Paddy Power
South Africa, 5/2, bet365, better, bet direct, stan james
Australia, 4/1, Paddy power, Ladbrokes, Coral, extrabet

2008 Tri Nations Fixtures
July 5 - 8:35am New Zealand v South Africa
July 12 - 8:35am New Zealand v South Africa
July 19 - 11.05am Australia v South Africa
July 26 - 11:05am Australia v New Zealand
August 2 - 8:35am New Zealand v Australia
August 16 - 2:00pm South Africa v New Zealand
August 23 - 2:00pm South Africa v Australia
August 30 - 2:00pm South Africa v Australia
September 13 - 11:05am Australia v New Zealand

GAA Handicap Double
Kerry -3 to beat Cork, Munster SFC final, evens
Kilkenny -13 to beat Wexford, Leinster SHC final, 5/6
(Both odds from paddy Power)

Phoenix can Eclipse them
Henry Cecil's exciting colt Phoenix Tower looks a solid bet to land Saturday's richest ever running of the Coral Eclipse Stakes. Tip: Phoenix Tower to win the Coral Eclipse Stakes at 7/2 generally

Betting Update
(Based on a €10 stake)
Germany to win Euro 2008: -€10
Portugal to win Euro 200115.2511118 Group A: +€13.75
GAA Handicap Double: Limerick +7 to beat Cork,
Munster SFC, 1/1 and Dublin +2 to beat Wexford, Leinster SHC, 10/11: +€28.10
Phil Mickelson to win 2008 US Open Golf Championship and Padraig Harrington to be top European at same event: -€20
Overall: February-July: + €115.25

NB: Odds quoted are correct at the time of writing.