Rugby punters are in for a treat with midweek Currie Cup action and we suggest a bet in all three of the games.
GRIQUAS v GOLDEN LIONS
The Griquas are currently sitting 4th on the table despite the heavy defeat to the Bulls at home last time out. That was very much a full strength URC Bulls side though and the same thing cannot be said about the visiting Lions this week. Prior to the Bulls defeat, Griquas had won both of their home matches by 21 points against the Pumas and 2 points against Western Province.
The Lions are the bottom of the table without a victory in 4 starts. Last time out they were hammered 66-14 in Bloemfontein by the Cheetahs. Their other away game this season was a 12 point defeat to Western Province in Cape Town.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Griquas 1/4
Draw 25/1
Golden Lions 7/2
Handicap: Griquas (-9.5)
Suggested Bet: Griquas First Half Handicap (-4.5) at 19/20
I am expecting a strong start from the home team to take advantage of a Lions side low on confidence.
FREE STATE CHEETAHS v WESTERN PROVINCE
The Cheetahs are flying high at the top of the table with a 100% record after 4 starts. They were far too strong for the Lions at home last time out winning by 52 points and their other home game this season was a 10 point win over Griquas in Round 1.
Western Province are sitting just outside the playoff spots in 5th position having won just 1 of their 4 matches to date. They had a bye in the last round and have not been in action for some time and their last performance was a 2 point loss to the Griquas away. Their other away game this season was a 15 point defeat to the Sharks in Durban.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Free State Cheetahs 1/5
Draw 28/1
Western Province 9/2
Handicap: Cheetahs (-11.5)
Suggested Bet: Winning Margin, Free State Cheetahs by 15 points or more at 13/10
The Cheetahs don’t have the drain on resources that the URC teams do and I am expecting them to stretch clear in the second-half and to beat this Western Province team comfortably.
BLUE BULLS v SHARKS
The Bulls have won 3 of their 4 matches and sit 3rd on the table, 3 points behind the Sharks who like the Cheetahs have a 100% record.
The Bulls sent out a team that was pretty close to full strength when they visited the Griquas in Kimberley and they won the game comfortably 53-27. This will only be their second home game of the Tournament with their previous match at Loftus finishing 38-25 to the Cheetahs.
The Sharks were too strong for the Pumas away last time out, winning 24-10 in a tight affair where the boot dominated. They have only played 1 match on the road so far this season beating the Lions by 12 points in a high scoring encounter in Johannesburg.
These sides met in last year’s final with the Bulls winning 44-10 at Loftus.
BETTING – click here to bet
Bulls 2/7
Draw 33/1
Sharks 28/10
Handicap: Bulls (-10.5)
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Bulls (-10.5) at 9/10
The Bulls clearly want to be involved in the business end of the Currie Cup and are sending out a strong team which should be able to beat the Sharks by a double figure margin.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
