Week 2 of the European Rugby Challenge Cup kicks off this weekend with two South African teams taking part, the Lions and the Cheetahs. We look at their matches on Saturday 14 December from a betting angle.
Lions v Section Paloise
The Lions played the Ospreys away from home last weekend and ended up losing the match 30-14. They had made a number of changes to the side but fans are getting frustrated as this was their third loss in a row over all competitions.
Section Paloise hosted the Newcastle Falcons last weekend and won the match 32-19. The question is whether they want to give this tournament a proper go given their Top 14 commitments and their starting line up when announced will give us a good indication.
Head-to-Head
With the South African sides only recently being included in the European rugby, the two sides are yet to play each other.
Betting and Verdict
When teams travel to South Africa for the first time they often struggle with the different environment and the heat. The Lions will look to take full advantage of this and should be able to comfortably win the match but we will have to wait and see what the handicap will be.
Handicap: Lions -20.5
The Lions should be too strong for what is an understrength Pau side
BET: Lions -20.5 at 10/11
Cardiff v Cheetahs
Cardiff travelled to Lyon last weekend for their opening match of the tournament and ended up losing 37-26.
The Cheetahs hosted USA Perpignan in Amsterdam where the match ended in a 20-20 draw in tough conditions. The Cheetahs looked like they had snatched victory with a late penalty only to concede 3 points straight from the kick off.
Head-to-Head
The two sides last met in 2019 where Cardiff won the match 30-17. Over the last five matches between the two sides the Cheetahs have yet to beat Cardiff and have lost on their last 3 visits to Cardiff.
Betting and Verdict
Cardiff have had an impressive record against the Cheetahs at home and the Cheetahs are short of match practice at the top level. This should be a home win but we will wait for the handicap and points lines before making a bet.
Handicap: Cardiff -8.5
The handicap looks about right and I will go for a points play as conditions look ok and I think the try bonus will be on both sides mind
BET: Over 49.5 points at 9/10
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