We take a look at the 3 Currie Cup matches taking place this weekend and suggest a bet in each.
FRIDAY
PUMAS v WESTERN PROVINCE
The Pumas are 5th on the table and are very much in semi-final contention with 4 wins and 4 losses from their 8 games. They started underdogs last week in Durban, but comfortably beat the Sharks 20-10 and based on that performance it is no surprise to see them going into this game as favourites.
Western Province are second from bottom of the log with just 1 win in 8 matches and they had a bye last weekend. Their last action was a 7 point home defeat to the Cheetahs back in mid-April.
The Pumas beat Western Province 37-11 in Cape Town earlier in the season.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Pumas 1/3
Draw 22/1
Western Province 28/10
Handicap: Pumas -8.5
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Pumas (-8.5) at 9/10
The Pumas will be fired up knowing that a semi-final spot is within reach and I think they can win this one by a double digit margin.
SATURDAY
CHEETAHS v SHARKS
The Cheetahs are 2nd on the log, a comfortable 12 points ahead of the Sharks in 3rd and whereas the Cheetahs are looking to top the log ahead of the Bulls, the Sharks have to hold off the Griquas and the Pumas just below them if they are to get 3rd place.
The Cheetahs only got going late last week against the Lions eventually winning 35-26 in Johannesburg and they had previously seen off Western Province by 7 points in Cape Town.
The Sharks never got going last week at home to the Pumas, losing by 10 points and their last away game, in early April, was a narrow 13-6 win over the Griquas.
The Cheetahs beat the Sharks 29-15 in Durban earlier in the season.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Cheetahs 2/13
Draw 35/1
Sharks 5/1
Handicap: Cheetahs -14.5
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Cheetahs (-14.5) at 9/10
This is a tough one to call, but for me the Sharks have under-performed in the Currie Cup and the Cheetahs looked a bit rusty last week, but managed to click into gear in the second-half and I am hoping that they can hit the ground running this time.
BULLS v LIONS
The Bulls are top of the log with 7 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss in their 9 matches. They were too strong for the Griquas at home last week eventually winning by 10 points, 48-38, but they stepped off the gas in the second-half allowing the Griquas to get close.
They face a Lions side that has lost all 9 of their matches and sits bottom of the log. Last week the Lions did put in one of their better performances leading the Cheetahs for long periods before eventually going down by 9 points at home. The Lions last away game came in early April, a 35 point loss to the Pumas.
The Bulls beat the Lions by 30 points in Johannesburg earlier this season.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Bulls 1/16
Draw 50/1
Lions 10/1
Handicap: Bulls -16.5
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Bulls (-16.5) at 9/10
While the Lions improved at home to the Cheetahs last week, the Bulls at Loftus is going to be a different proposition and I think the home team will win this comfortably.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
