The second Currie Cup semi final comes from Durban on Saturday where the Sharks clash with the Pumas
Sharks v Pumas, Saturday 17th June, Durban, KO 17:30 (South African time)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Referees: Griffin Colby, Paul Mente
TMO: Quinton Immelman
Weather Forecast – Durban
Sharks:
The Sharks finished second on the log with a record of 10 wins and 4 defeats. They were thrashed 44-5 away to Western Province in the final round of matches, ending a 7 match winning streak. Whilst a home semi final was already secure that defeat also saw them lose top spot to the Cheetahs and a potential home final.
The Sharks have beaten the Pumas twice already this season, 24-22 in Nelspruit and 19-12 in Durban.
The Sharks are now trading at around 16/10 favourites with World Sports Betting in the outright betting to win the Currie Cup title this season
Pumas:
The Pumas finished third on the log with a record of 8 wins and 6 defeats and they were 8 points behind the Sharks.
The Pumas are the defending champions having beaten the Griquas in the 2022 final and they secured their play off place with a 27-17 victory over Griquas in a
must win game in Kimberley in the final round of matches.
The Pumas are now trading at around 10/1 with World Sports Betting in the outright betting to win the Currie Cup title this season
Team News
Sharks: 15 Nevaldo Fleurs, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Murray Koster, 12 Alwayno Visagie, 11 Aphelele Fassi, 10 Lionel Cronje, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Henco Venter, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Reniel Hugo (captain), 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Khutha Mchunu, 2 Fezokuhle Mbatha, 1 Khwezi Mona.
Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Carlu Sadie, 19 Ockie Barnard, 20 Marco de Witt, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Tiaan Fourie, 23 Curwin Bosch
Pumas: 15 Devon Williams, 14 Andrew Kota, 13 Diego Appolis, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Etienne Taljaard, 10 Tinus de Beer, 9 Chriswill September, 8 Kwanda Dimaza, 7 Francois Kleinhans, 6 Andre Fouche, 5 Shane Kirkwood (captain), 4 Deon Slabbert, 3 Simon Raw, 2 Pieter Jacobs, 1 Corne Fourie.
Replacements: 16 Darnell Osuagwu, 17 Etienne Janeke, 18 Deward Martitz, 19 Malembe Mpofu, 20 Ruwald van der Merwe, 21 Giovan Snyman, 22 Gene Willemse, 23 Wian van Niekerk
Recent Head to Head
(Currie Cup)
2023 Pumas 22-24 Sharks
2023 Sharks 19-12 Pumas
2022 Sharks 10-20 Pumas
2022 Pumas10-24 Sharks
2021 Pumas cancelled Sharks
2021 Sharks cancelled Pumas
2020 Sharks 45-10 Pumas
2019 Pumas 27-20 Sharks
2018 Sharks 28-12 Pumas
2017 Pumas 25-27 Sharks
The Betting - Free R25 Sign Up Bonus Plus 50 Free Spins. Need to open an account? Register here
Sharks -8.5 points at 9/10
Pumas +8.5 points at 9/10
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Betting Angle
The Sharks have been the in form team of the Currie Cup, well until last week when they were blown away by Western Province. It was pointed out in the live comments on last night’s, THE HANDICAP, our Rugby Betting Show that the Sharks may well have fancied a home semi-final against the Pumas rather than a home semi against the Bulls. Of course that means they could be away to the Cheetahs in the Final, but there is also every chance that they get a home Final against the Bulls.
Pumas started the season strong, but they have battled towards the end although they did get the job done last week away at the Griquas. I am expecting the Sharks team to get on top and they certainly have the bench to finish the job. Sharks to win this game by 9 or more is my call.
The Total Points line is set at 54.5 and if pressed I would be an unders play here, but I am going to just stick with my Sharks handicap play.
BET: 6 Units, Sharks -8.5 at 0.93/1 at Betway*
*If you don’t have a Betway account please use this link to open one and support Goodforthegame – Promo code GFTG!
Bet: to follow
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
THE HANDICAP
Join @BrentGraham and the panel live at 9pm on Thursday night for “The Handicap”. Subscribe to the channel and set a reminder here.
More tips, news and views are available on the weekly rugby thread on our discussion forum. If you are new to our community you can open an account here.
More tips, news and views are available on the weekly rugby thread on our discussion forum. If you are new to our community you can open an account here.
Subscribe to our free weekly betting mailer which will include our best and value bets below.
