We are fast approaching the business end of the Currie Cup and we take a look at the 3 matches taking place this weekend and suggest a bet in each of them.
FRIDAY
BLUE BULLS v PUMAS
The Blue Bulls top the table on 42 points, 1 ahead of the Free State Cheetahs who have played a game less.
Last time out they beat the Lions 43-37 at home and their previous match was also a home game against Western Province finishing 45-34.
The Pumas are currently in 5th place sitting just outside of the playoff spots, but only 1 point behind Griquas with both teams having played 9 matches. They are also 4 points behind the Sharks who have played a game more than them.
The Pumas started favourites last time out at home to Western Province, but lost 17-23 and prior to that they beat the Sharks by 10 points on the road.
When these sides met in Nelspruit earlier in the season a strong Bulls side won 33-19
BETTING – Click here to bet
Blue Bulls 2/13
Draw 30/1
Pumas 11/2
Handicap: Blue Bulls -12.5
Suggested Bet: First-Half Handicap, Blue Bulls (-5.5) at 17/20
I am expecting a no nonsense approach from the Bulls and looking at them to take a lead of 6 points or more into the half-time break.
SATURDAY
GRIQUAS v FREE STATE CHEETAHS
Griquas are currently 4th on the log only 1 point ahead of the Pumas and 3 points behind the Sharks who have played a game more.
The Griquas last match was a 48-38 loss to the Bulls at Loftus, a score line which flattered them due to some late consolation tries. They had previously been on the road to the Lions winning 23-17 and their last home match was a low scoring 13-6 loss to the Sharks.
The Cheetahs are 2nd on the log, 1 point behind the Bulls who have played a game more and they have won all 9 of their matches to date. They were back to their best last time out beating the Sharks 44-15 in Bloemfontein and prior to that they were away in Johannesburg winning 35-26.
The Cheetahs and the Griquas met in Round 1 of the Currie Cup with the Cheetahs winning 30-20 at home.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Griquas 33/10
Draw 28/1
Free State Cheetahs 1/4
Handicap: Griquas +10.5
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Griquas (+10.5) at 9/10
The Griquas only loss at home this season came to a URC laden Bulls side in Round 5. They are always a tough nut to crack in Kimberley and I am backing them to stay within the handicap here.
GOLDEN LIONS v WESTERN PROVINCE
The Golden Lions are bottom of the table 8 points behind 2nd from bottom, Western Province. The Lions have no chance of contesting the playoffs while Western Province are holding on to a mathematical chance at best.
The Lions have lost all 10 of their games this season and last time out went down 43-37 away to the Bulls despite starting favourites having named a strong side with a number of URC players in it. Their last home game was a 35-26 loss to the Cheetahs.
Province have won 2 and lost 7 of their 9 matches this season and one of those wins came last time out in Nelspruit where they beat the Pumas by 6 points, a game where they started underdogs. Prior to that they put up a commendable effort in Bloemfontein going down by 7 points to the Cheetahs.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Golden Lions 4/10
Draw 25/1
Western Province 23/10
Handicap: Golden Lions -6.5
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Golden Lions (-6.5) at 9/10
Western Province have shown improved form, but a close to full strength Golden Lions side should be able to win comfortably.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
