There are just two Currie Cup matches taking place this weekend and we have a look at each of them from a betting angle.
Disappointing news this weekend that the Sharks v Bulls encounter has been cancelled due to the terrible floods in Durban. That leaves us with two games and the Golden Lions v Griquas match takes place on Thursday afternoon with a Good Friday game between Western Province and the Cheetahs.
THURSDAY
GOLDEN LIONS v GRIQUAS
Punters note that this game will be taking place at Wits University and not Ellis Park.
The Lions have yet to win a game in the Currie Cup and they tumbled to yet another heavy defeat last time out going down 45-10 away at the Pumas. They have also had two defeats in excess of 30 points at home and their best performance of the season has been the 12 point defeat to the Sharks at Ellis Park.
Griquas are currently sitting in the final semi-final spot well behind 3rd place Sharks and just a point ahead of the Pumas who sit 5th. They played out a surprisingly low scoring encounter at home to the Sharks last time out going down 13 points to 6 and prior to that they had beaten the Lions 49-17 at home. Looking at their away form they lost by a point to the Sharks and by 10 points to the Cheetahs.
Looking at the team news the Lions have included several of their URC squad players so they should be stronger than they have been in recent weeks.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Lions 23/10
Draw 28/1
Griquas 4/10
Handicap: Lions (+6.5)
Suggested Bet: Half-Time/Full-Time, Golden Lions/Griquas at 5/1
A speculative play, but I am expecting an improved performance by the Lions and I take them to lead at the break with a determined Griquas side fighting back to snatch the victory.
WESTERN PROVINCE v FREE STATE CHEETAHS
Western Province have only won 1 of their 7 matches and they sit 8 points behind the Griquas who occupy the final semi-final spot. They put up an improved showing away to the Bulls last time out although they lost 35-34 and in previous home games they had gone down 37-11 to the Pumas. They have now lost 6 matches in succession.
The Cheetahs had a bye last time out and they are sitting with a 100% record after 6 matches, 6 points behind the Sharks who top the log, but with 2 games in hand. The Cheetahs beat the Sharks 29-15 on the road in their last start and prior to that had beaten Western Province 24-17 in Bloemfontein.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Western Province 5/1
Draw 33/1
Free State Cheetahs 1/6
Handicap: Western Province (+11.5)
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Cheetahs (-11.5) at 9/10
While Western Province showed encouraging signs in their last start, a rested Cheetahs outfit should be too strong for them here and I am expecting them to continue their march towards the top of the Currie Cup table.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
