Couch Critic previews Sharks v Cheetahs, Griquas v Stormers and Lions v Bulls in Round 5 of Super Rugby Unlocked including best bets with @Olimp_SA
I called a free-running Lions showing right last week but that was about it. It’s Week 5 and the battle for the Unlocked Trophy heats up. Let’s have a look at how I see the action going down this weekend.
Sharks vs Cheetahs – Friday 06 Nov @ 19:00, Durban
The Cheetahs have been sitting on the sidelines for the past two weeks as they missed out on their match against the Lions due to COVID and then had a bye week. They will have to get straight back up to speed as they face a young Sharks side who look to try and get some momentum going in 2020.
There is no Nkosi or Am for the hosts and Everitt keeps faith with youngsters Jooste, JJ van der Mesch and Richardson in the pack. The Cheetahs enter life after Walt Steenkamp, Jasper Wiese and Janse van Rensburg.
Betolimp Bets:
To win the game – Sharks @ 1.74
The coach is backing the youngsters and they will be keen to repay the faith. This Cheetah side have had two weeks off and have also been disrupted by the loss of a few players. I am taking the Sharks on the board to get the job done at the Tank.
HT/FT Margin – Cheetahs (1-8) / Sharks (1-12) @ 10.00
In both their previous outings the men from Bloem seemed to run out of gas a touch in the second stint and I expect to see the same happening here as the Durban humidity takes its toll.
First Tryscorer – William Small-Smith @ 15.00
The Cheetahs often score out wide given their expansive style.
Last Tryscorer – Sikhumbuzo Notshe @ 23.00
Notshe is a roaming loosie who can capitalise on tired opponents.
Griquas vs Stormers – Saturday 07 Nov @ 16:30, Kimberley
In the past this would be a treacherous trip for any of the big dogs. Yet this season it seems the normal fight in the Griquas isn’t as prevalent as it once was. That being said, this particular “Big Dog” also appears to have lost a bit of it’s bite. So the question is, can this re-jigged young Stormers side go to the Big Hole and fetch the required five log points or will they find themselves stuck in an even bigger hole come Saturday evening.
Betolimp Bet:
This is actually a weaker Stormers team on paper than we’ve seen previously, but the fresh faces could prove to be exactly what is required for the Capetonians to get their groove back. I see a comfortable victory for the visitors in what should be a high scoring, running affair.
Lions vs Bulls – Saturday 07 Nov @ 19:00, Johannesburg
The Bulls struggled in their first two rounds but have since bounced back to beat both the Stormers and the Sharks. The men in blue are now the team to beat in Super Rugby Unlocked. The Lions find themselves well off the pace with two losses and an enforced draw. A run-away victory over the Griquas last week will give them some confidence though.
Betolimp Bet:
It might be over-simplifying things to say the Lions have lost to both teams that the Bulls have been successful against (for one thing the Lions were away form home for both their matches). Yet this Bulls side proved that they are tough as nails upfront and this is where they should lay the platform to outclass their hosts. I don’t think this line gives enough respect to the Bulls and as such it’s a rather confident call from my side on the Bulls to cover the handicap here.
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(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)
Couch Critic
