The Currie Cup is back and the action gets going this weekend after a very low key build up. We take a look at the three matches and suggest a bet in each.
FRIDAY
PUMAS v BULLS
The Pumas only just missed the play-off places last year, but as often happens with the smaller Unions they have lost a lot of players so it is difficult to gauge their strength.
The Bulls will of course also be involved in the United Rugby Championship and bookmakers initially expected them to field a fairly weak team making the Pumas favourites. Jake White has elected to send the majority of his “A” Team using this game as a warm up for the URC matches.
The Pumas have given a good account of themselves against the Bulls in recent times losing by 5 in Pretoria last year and by 7 points in Nelspruit, a game where they looked like winning at one point.
BETTING
Pumas 21/10
Draw 22/1
Bulls 4/10
Handicap: Pumas (+6.5)
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Bulls (-6.5) at 10/11
The Pumas will fight hard, but this Bull side should be too strong for them and I expect them to draw clear and win comfortably in the second half.
SATURDAY
CHEETAHS v GRIQUAS
The Cheetahs had a very disappointing Currie Cup campaign last year failing to make the semi-finals. They do have a number of injuries to manage, but also have the veterans such as Ruan Pienaar and Frans Steyn to call on.
The Griquas were the neutrals favourites for the Currie Cup last season as they finished 3rd on the log and then went down by 4 points to the Sharks in Durban in the semi-finals. They punched above their weight, but there have been a number of squad changes and a new coaching staff has also been appointed.
BETTING
Cheetahs 3/10
Draw 25/1
Griquas 27/10
Handicap: Cheetahs -8.5
Suggested Bet: Alternative Handicap, Cheetahs (-13.5) at 2/1
I am confident in a big Cheetahs victory here and I think they will be too strong for a Griquas side that I am not expecting them to perform as well as last season. I am going to stick my head out and go with the extended handicap and the bigger price.
WESTERN PROVINCE v GOLDEN LIONS
Western Province had a disappointing 2021 campaign eventually going down by 17 points to the Bulls away in the semi-finals. Their semi-final appearance was in doubt right until the end though and they will be looking for a strong start to ensure they are competing for a home play-off spot.
The Lions were awful last season finishing bottom of the log and they really battle without their URC players. They did manage to beat Western Province in a home match, but were well beaten by 22 points when the sides met in Cape Town.
BETTING
Western Province 7/10
Draw 22/1
Lions 12/10
Handicap: WP -2.5 at 9/10
Suggested bet: Half-time / Full-time, Western Province / Western Province at 15/10
For this bet to arrive I need Province to be leading at the break and also to go on and win the match and looking at the team sheets I think this is a likely result.
Click here for Currie Cup betting
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
