superugby2018Couch Critic previews Pumas v Stormers, Lions v Cheetahs and Bulls v Sharks in Round 3 of Super Rugby Unlocked including best bets with @Olimp_SA

 

 

 

 

 

The competition is now well and truly underway and the early running has been made by the Cheetahs whilst the Lions and Bulls are already under pressure to turn things around as we head into Round 3 of Super Rugby Unlocked. Here’s how I see things panning out this weekend as I look to bounce back from a horrid tipping weekend last time out!

 

Pumas vs Stormers – Friday 23 Oct @ 19:00, Mbombela

 

The Pumas unexpectedly stung Griquas last week and are now tasked with squaring off against the big names as the Stormers come to Nelspruit. In their season opener the Bok-laden Capetonians got past the Lions but never managed to accelerate out of third gear at Newlands. In team news the Stormers will be without Steven Kitshoff

 

Bets: Pumas +19.5 @ 1.92

The Stormers are given plenty of respect in this clash and it’s well deserved. Yet having such a big contingent of internationals in their line-up I see this Stormers side moving through this tournament like a Land Rover Defender – a diesel engine conquering all in front of it in a methodical, yet not too pretty, manner. The home side would have taken plenty of confidence from their exploits in Kimberley and will be well prepared for their visitors from the coast. I think Jimmy’s boys will keep things tidy.

 

Wincast – Bongi Mbonambi to score the first try and Stormers to win @ 16.00

The Pumas will be charged up to match the much vaunted Stormers upfront, but Mbonambi is unstoppable close to the line and Stormers won’t be content with just kicking three pointers in this clash.

 

Anytime Tryscorer – Herschel Jantjies @ 2.30

The livewire scrummie loves taking the gap so I expect him to get across the chalk on Friday.

 

Last Tryscorer – Nama Xaba @ 41.00/ Jaco Coetzee

Xaba has impressed coming on for Kolisi in a couple of games and he’s offered at a good price. The final 23 was still to be named at time of going to print so Jaco Coetzee will be backed if he eventually lines up ahead of Xaba on the pine.

 

HT/FT Margin – Stormers (9+) / Stormers (1-12) @ 12.00

I wouldn’t be surprised to see the visitors look to impose themselves out the gate in search of securing the bonuspoint try only for the Pumas to fight back in a similar manner as against the Cheetahs in the opening game.

 

Lions vs Cheetahs – Saturday 24 Oct @ 16:30, Johannesburg

 

Two teams at opposite ends of the spectrum at this early stage. The Lions are zero from two attempts whilst the Cheetahs have come flying out the blocks. Both teams will realise the importance of this clash – the Lions will be out of the running for the Unlocked title whilst the newly demoted Free Staters would keep their pole position heading into the second half of Super Rugby Unlocked action.

 

Outright bet: Lions to win @ 3.00

Huge disruptions for the Lions but there will be little expectation on them and the replacements will feel they have the licence to thrill. The home side are due converting a close result into a win and for mind there is a touch of value in nibbling at the Lions win.

 

HT/FT Margin – Cheetahs 9+/ Lions (1-12) @ 41.00

The Cheetahs have twice faded a touch in the second stint whilst it remains a prominent tactic of the Lions to enjoy a strong second half on their home patch when the opponents start to tire. With a new look Lions team they could struggle for continuity but when they have nothing to lose this certainly seems a juicy price about a possible dramatic comeback for the young cubs.

 

Wincast: Malcolm Jaer to score the first try and Lions to win @ 26.00

I will stick with the little speedster to get the opening score for a team who love getting the ball to their wingers.

 

Last Tryscorer – Marnus Schoeman @ 34.00

Schoeman is a try poacher of note and having slipped down the pecking order at the Lions at present he will be chomping at the bit to show what he can do.

 

Bulls vs Sharks – Saturday 24 Oct @ 19:00, Pretoria

 

Jake White’s tenure got off to a rocky start with a lacklustre effort against Griquas before coming up short against the Cheetahs in Bloem last week. The Sharks have only had one outing which saw them sneak a scrappy win over the Lions.

 

Outright Bet: Sharks -1.5 @ 1.89

Much like with the Stormers I expect the Sharks to slowly improve as they work their way toward their pre-Covid form. The Bulls could have the opportunity to still catch them below par but I’m expecting the Sharks to come out with a point to prove here. The Bulls have a solid looking pack but the backline looks anything but settled – the visitors will fancy their chances of running them ragged.

 

Anytime Tryscorer – Sikhumbuzo Notshe @ 4.33 (Also Last Tryscorer @ 26.00)

The fleet-footed number eight was in superb form earlier in the year and he should be tuned in for a big performance against the Springbok number 8.

 

First Tryscorer – Elrich Louw @ 29.00

A much talked about youngster who will be keen to impress in his first start

 

HT/FT Margin – Bulls (1-8) / Sharks (1-12) @ 10.00

 

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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)

 

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