This years Currie Cup continues to excite each week with upset wins and plenty of points being scored. We head into round 5 this weekend and will take a look at the four matches from a betting angle offering up our plays for your consideration.
Note: The Saturday and Sunday games will be posted Friday night or when betting is available
FRIDAY
PUMAS v BOLAND– click here to bet
The Pumas are coming off a narrow one-point defeat at home to the Lions, going down 35–36 last weekend. They have now won two of their opening four matches this season.
Boland, meanwhile, have stamped their authority against the bigger unions with victories over the Bulls, Lions and Cheetahs. Their 28–20 win at home against the Bulls last weekend underlined their credentials as genuine semi-final contenders. They have won three of their four matches to date but lost their only away math in Kimberley.
Head-to-Head
The two sides last met in 2019 where the Pumas won the match comfortably, the final score ending 57-32.
Betting and Verdict
The Pumas have opened 1.33 with the draw 30.00 and Boland 3.40
Handicap: Pumas -8.5 at 1.85
The Pumas should be too strong at home and keep an eye out for the points lines where anything in the early 60’s will trigger an over play for me.
BET: Handicap Pumas -8.5 at 1.85
SHARKS v WESTERN PROVINCE – click here to bet
Two of the country’s biggest unions have endured the toughest starts to the season, with both sides still searching for their first win after four rounds. The Sharks went down 26–17 away to the Griquas last weekend, while the Stormers also fell short on the road, losing 31–24 to the Cheetahs.
Head-to-Head
The Sharks have won three of their last four matches against Province in the Currie Cup including the most recent fixture where they won 23-31 away from home.
Betting and Verdict
The bookies cannot separate the sides with the Sharks 1.90, the draw 21.00 and WP 2.00
This game could be scrappy and an unders play could pay dividends (look out for lines closer to kickoff) but I am backing the Sharks defence to be the differentiator.
BET: Sharks win at 1.90
Prices correct at time of posting but subject to change
SATURDAY
CHEETAHS v LIONS – click here to bet
The Cheetahs are coming off their third consecutive victory after edging Western Province 31–24 at home last weekend. The Lions, meanwhile, bounced back strongly from their round three defeat to Boland, pulling off an impressive 36–35 away win against the Pumas.
Head-to-Head
The Lions have had the upper hand in recent Currie Cup meetings, winning the last three clashes against the Cheetahs. The most recent encounter ended 43–34 in Johannesburg, while their last trip to Bloemfontein saw them claim a convincing 38–21 victory.
Betting and Verdict
The Cheetahs are 1.90 to win with the draw 26.00 and the Lions 2.10
Handicap: Cheetahs -0.5
The Lions were impressive last week against the Pumas and I think they can extend their strong record against the Cheetahs with an away win
BET: Lions win at 2.10
Sunday game to be added to this preview
