The Rainbow Cup South Africa continues this weekend and we take look at the 2 fixtures from a betting angle.
SHARKS v LIONS
The Sharks were involved in a seriously entertaining game against the Stormers in Cape Town last weekend. They looked all at sorts early doors as the Stormers ran in the points, but the home team’s progress was halted by a series of red and yellow cards and in the second-half the Sharks played some excellent rugby to win 33-30.
The Lions were away to the Bulls last weekend on what was not the greatest of playing surfaces thanks to Varsity Cup rugby and plenty of rain. They kept things fairly tight before conceding a few late scores to lose 22-9, but the Bulls certainly had the better of the match and it is a concern that the Lions were unable to score a try.
These sides last met in Johannesburg when the home team won a thriller 43-40 in the Preparation Series. Their last meeting in Durban was in the Super Rugby Unlocked Tournament where the Sharks edged a low scoring encounter by 3 points.
BETTING - Click here to bet
Sharks 2/9
Draw 33/1
Lions 15/4
Handicap: Sharks (-11.5) at 9/10, Lions (+12.5) at 9/10
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Sharks (-11.5) at 9/10
Once the Sharks found their rhythm they were very impressive last week and I think they can win comfortably against an inexperienced Lions side.
STORMERS v BULLS
The Stormers must be wondering how they lost last week’s home match to the Sharks, having led 23-12 at half-time. They even appeared in control when they went down to their first stint of 14 men for 20 minutes. Things unravelled quickly in the second-half and it took a late score to get them to within 3 points of the Sharks.
The Bulls were too strong for a gutsy Lions outfit last week, winning 22-9 in Pretoria, but those who backed the Bulls handicap at (-9.5) certainly had to sweat for their money as the Bulls just didn’t seem to be able to finish off promising movements and possession on the day.
These teams played a thriller when they met in the Preparation Series with the Bulls scoring a try after the hooter to win by 5 points, 34-29.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Stormers 11/10
Draw 25/1
Bulls 8/10
Suggested Bet: Bulls win at 8/10
The Stormers confidence must have taken a knock after last weeks shocker and I expect this well drilled Bulls team to win the match.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
