Local rugby is back in full swing this weekend with 3 Super Rugby Unlocked matches and we suggest a bet in each.
SHARKS v LIONS
The Sharks are one of the big losers of the original Super Rugby season ending early as they were looking really good before the COVID-19 break. They were less impressive in their first hit out a couple of weeks ago at Loftus when they were hammered by the Bulls in the Super Fan Saturday game, but I don’t believe much can be read into that.
The Lions were battling in the regular Super Rugby season, winning just 1 of their 6 matches and they were out-played by the Stormers in the Super Fan Saturday game losing 34-21.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Sharks 9/20
Draw 25/1
Lions 21/10
Handicap: Sharks (-6.5) at 9/10, Lions (+6.5) at 9.10
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Sharks (-6.5) at 9/10
Looking at the teams selected I feel the Sharks have a stronger side and a repeat of the 27-17 win the last time these sides met in Durban could be on the cards.
CHEETAHS v PUMAS
The Cheetahs left Super Rugby for Pro 14 a couple of years back, but they are back playing Super Rugby due to COVID-19 and have also had the unfortunate news that they will not be involved in the Pro 14 going forward as the bigger franchises from South Africa come in. The Cheetahs are the defending Currie Cup Champions and should be able to take advantage of the fact that they won’t lose many Springboks to Rugby Championship duty.
It is hard to know what to make of the Pumas who finished bottom of the log in last year’s Currie Cup. One thing I do expect though is that there will be plenty of running rugby from both of these teams so keeping an eye on points lines could be advisable close to kick-off.
BETTING - Click here to bet
Cheetahs 1/11
Draw 50/1
Pumas 9/1
Handicap: Cheetahs (-21.5) at 9/10, Pumas (+21.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Cheetahs (-21.5) at 9/10
The Cheetahs squad is packed with quality and I expect them to run away with this at some point.
BULLS v GRIQUAS
The Bulls struggled in the regular Super Rugby season winning just 1 of 6 matches. Jake White has subsequently come in to coach the side and they were impressive in the Super Fan Saturday game against the Sharks where they won 49-28.
Griquas are rank outsiders going into this Tournament and they are priced at 50/1 (Click here for Super Rugby Unlocked outright betting where the Bulls and Stormers are 2/1 favourites).
BETTING – Click here to bet
Bulls 1/14
Draw 55/1
Griquas 10/1
Handicap: Bulls (-23.5) at 9/10, Griquas (+23.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Bulls (-23.5) at 9/10
Griquas may be competitive early on, but I can’t see them living with the Bulls side that should win this by a massive margin.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
