Couch Critic previews Sharks v Lions, Cheetahs v Pumas and Bulls v Griquas in Round 1 of Super Rugby Unlocked including best bets with @Olimp_SA
South Africa finally joins the party as we get a local version of Super Rugby to sink our teeth into. This tournament comprises the first part of what will later morph into the Currie Cup. But first off the seven franchises – Sharks, Bulls, Stormers, Lions, Cheetahs, Pumas and Griquas will square off in a single round phase to determine the “Unlocked” Champion.
Sharks vs Lions – Friday 09 Oct @ 19:00, Durban
The Sharks were the toast of the local sides in Super Rugby earlier in the year. However, the KZN side has experienced many changes to their squad with Esterhuizen being a big loss to the North, Mapimpi to Japan and Fassi to injury. Tyler Paul and Nkosi are other important players not present. The Lions have added some depth in the form of Jaco Visagie, Jaco Kriel, Burger Odendal, EW Viljoen, Maxwane and Ruan Dreyer.
I expect this to be a tight match with plenty of early season errors. The Sharks should have enough to win in the end but I’m expecting the Lions to fight them all the way with a few experienced hands brought in to toughen them up a bit.
First Tryscorer – Dillion Smit @ 29.00
The nippy scrumhalf has an eye for a gap near the line and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him opening the scoring. The usual driving maul strategy might also not be quite as well rehearsed for this opener.
Last Tryscorer – Hacjivah Dayimani @ 34.00
The speedy looseforward loves a meat pie and against tired defenders he is a cracking price to get the job done.
Cheetahs vs Pumas – Saturday 10 Oct @ 16:30, Bloemfontein
The Cheetahs must be starting to feel like the stepchild of South African rugby as it is believed their will be no place for them in a proposed move North for the other “Big Four”. The defending Currie Cup Champions will be keen to remind everyone of exactly how good they can be.
It’s set to be a beautiful winter’s day in the Free State and both teams will be keen to give the ball some air in this one I reckon. At such a big buffer I have to side with the visitors to keep things at least partially tidy in the opener.
Bulls vs Griquas – Saturday 10 Oct @ 19:00, Pretoria
The Bulls were the big winners from the Super Saturday season re-opening encounter as they smashed the Sharks in the opening 40 minutes. This will be new Bulls coach, Jake White’s first assault at a title with his new team. Griquas also have a new coaching setup but in their case it could be more of a disruption losing Brent Janse van Rensburg whilst the men in blue will only benefit from their new commander-in-chief.
I expect the new-look Bulls to hit the ground running and make a bit of an example of the visiting Griquas in this one.
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
