Couch Critic previews Lions v Griquas, Pumas v Sharks and Bulls v Stormers in Round 4 of Super Rugby Unlocked including best bets with @Olimp_SA
Last week the Stormers got the fright of their lives against the Pumas, the Sharks got trampled by the Bulls forwards and COVID spoiled the cat-fight. Let’s look at Week 4 as business starts to pick up in the local comp.
Lions vs Griquas – Friday 30 Oct @ 19:00, Ellispark
The Lions were forced to pull out of their Cheetahs clash last week but have recovered from COVID scares sufficiently enough to be ready to host the Griquas on Friday night. The Lions will be looking for a strong impact from experienced campaigners like Ruan Dreyer, Burger Odendaal, Marnus Schoeman and Ross Cronje from the bench whilst youth in the form of Lombard, Masyn, Pelser and Van den Berg supply the spark in the starting fifteen.
Bets:
I can see the Lions really throwing the ball around on Friday night and both teams are more known for their attacking play than defence.
HF/FT Margin – Griquas (1-8) / Lions (13+) @ 17.00
Griquas will be hurting from getting a kick in the teeth from the Pumas last time they were in action. They are also facing a side who’s preparations would have been badly disrupted over the past two weeks and it could take the hosts a bit of time to find their groove.
First Tryscorer – Morné van den Berg @ 23.00
The nippy nine is always a handful.
Last Tryscorer – Marnus Schoeman @ 23.00
Schoeman comes in as a late replacement for Jaco Kriel and the fetcher flank with the blonde mop has an appetite for the tryline like few others.
Pumas vs Sharks – Saturday 31 Oct @ 16:30, Nelspruit
The Sharks have been a far cry form the side that impressed in Super Rugby before COVID hit the globe. The coaching staff have rolled out a fresh-faced line-up for this clash with a number of changes - hoping to see the youth grab their chance. Dylan Richardson moves to flank and this offers the under 21 star, Dan Jooste the chance to start in the number 2 jumper. JJ van der Mesch is another youngster handed a start whilst Madosh Tambwe also returns from injury. The depth of talent in Durbs is shown by Michael Kumbirai being the third-choice tighthead option and Thembelani Bholi available off the pine whilst James Venter and Notshe are out with injury.
Bulls vs Stormers – Saturday 31 Oct @ 19:00, Pretoria
The Bulls were the toast of the town after handing the Sharks a hiding whilst the Stormers came within a whisker of being left with egg on their face after a Nelspruit visit gone wrong! The Stormers have been forced into a few changes yet still have a World Cup winning frontrow to call on. Both backlines look exciting yet are somewhat untested. I understand the sudden hype around the men from Pretoria but the Capetonians should be well up for this one and I don’t foresee a run-away win for the hosts.
Betolimp Bet for the Saturday Matches
Claim your 1st deposit bonus of up to R3,000 here
(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
