The Currie Cup returns this weekend and we take a look at all 3 matches from a betting angle.
FRIDAY
SHARKS v PUMAS
The Sharks currently sit 3rd on the log with 5 wins, a draw and 2 losses in their 8 matches. They haven't been in action since early April when they beat the Griquas 13-6 on the road. Their last home game was a 14 point defeat to the Cheetahs.
The Pumas are 5th on the log, 5 points behind 4th placed Griquas, but with a game in hand, they have won 3 and lost 4 of their 7 matches this season. Like the Sharks they were last in action back in early April when they hammered the Lions 45-10 at home and their last away match was an impressive 37-11 win over Western Province.
When these sides met in Nelspruit earlier in the season the Sharks won 24-10.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Sharks 2/7
Draw 25/1
Pumas 7/2
Handicap: Sharks -9.5
Suggested Bet: First-Half Winning Margin, Sharks by 1-7 points inclusive at 15/8
I am expecting the Pumas to keep things tight early and will back the Sharks to take a narrow lead into the break.
GOLDEN LIONS v FREE STATE CHEETAHS
The Lions have had an awful season and sit rock bottom of the table with just 3 points after 8 matches all of which they lost. Their last game was a 6 point defeat to Griquas in Johannesburg and their last away game was a 35 point loss to the Pumas in Nelspruit.
The Cheetahs are 2nd on the table just 1 point behind the Bulls who have played a game more and won all 7 of their matches this season and last time out they were too strong for Western Province on the road winning 28-21. The Cheetahs last away game was back in March when they beat the Sharks 29-15 in Durban. The Cheetahs hammered the Lions when they met in Bloemfontein earlier this season winning 66-14.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Golden Lions 9/1
Draw 45/1
Free Stat Cheetahs 1/14
Handicap: Golden Lions +16.5
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Cheetahs (-16.5) at 17/20
The Lions have thrown in a few URC players, but this Cheetahs team have looked far stronger this season and I can see another comfortable win for the Bloemfontein outfit.
SATURDAY
BLUE BULLS v GRIQUAS
The Bulls currently top the log, 1 point ahead of the Cheetahs having played a game more. They have won 6, drawn 1 and lost 1 of their fixtures this season. Most recent game away to the Sharks was cancelled and prior to that they beat Western Province 45-34 in a high scoring encounter at home.
They face a Griquas side that has a realistic chance of making the semi-finals and currently sit 4th on the log. Griquas overcame some stern resistance from the Lions in Johannesburg last time out, winning 23-17 and prior to that they were edged by 7 points in a low scoring encounter in Durban.
When these sides met in Kimberley earlier in the season it was a strong Bulls side that came out on top 53-27.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Blue Bulls 1/20
Draw 50/1
Griquas 12/1
Handicap: Blue Bulls -19.5
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Griquas (+19.5) at 17/20
The Bulls should get the win fairly comfortably, but the Griquas are never an easy side to beat at home and I can see a competitive fight been put up with them comfortably beating the handicap.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
