The 5th Round of Currie Cup matches takes place this weekend and we take a look at them from a betting angle.
Let’s start with a look at the latest Outright Betting where the Pumas have firmed to 9/4 favourites ahead of the Cheetahs at 12/5, Western Province can be backed at 33/10, you can get 11/2 the Sharks, 13/2 the Lions and 10/1 and better the balance.
Click here for the latest Currie Cup Outright Betting
FRIDAY
Blue Bulls v Griquas – Click here to bet
The Bulls have had an awful start to the Currie Cup losing their opening 4 games and with only 3 bonus points to their credit. Last week they started 17 point favourites away to the Griffons, but went well behind early before fighting back to lose 32-28. Their two home games this season has seen them lose to the Pumas and Western Province.
The Griquas campaign also got off to a slow start, but they climbed to 6th on the table after an away win over Western Province last week. Their other away match saw them go down by 15 points in Nelspruit against the Pumas.
Handicap: Blue Bulls -9.5
The Bulls were underdogs when the betting opened but they are currently 9 point favourites on the back of team news that has seen Jake White load the team with URC players. This is a sign of the desperation in the Bulls camp at the moment but even given the confidence is low surely this Bulls side will be too strong for the Griquas? I will be interested to see how the Bulls points line and total points line is priced up at, but for now a solid bet on the Bulls to win by 10 or more
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Blue Bulls -9.5 at 19/20
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Sharks v Pumas – Click here to bet
The Sharks are currently 4th on the log with 2 victories and 2 losses in their opening 4 games. They were well backed favourites away to the Lions last week, but lost 22-34, but they have won both home games this season beating the Griffons by 16 and Western Province by 13.
The Pumas are now the only side with a 100% record in the Currie Cup and last week they hammered an under-strength Cheetahs side 61-21 on the road. Their other away game this season was also a big victory 63-15 over the Bulls at Loftus in Round 1.
Handicap: Sharks +12.5
The Pumas have looked very impressive this season and they should have few problems seeing off a Sharks side with its first and second choice starting line-ups currently in France.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Pumas -12.5 at 9/10
SATURDAY
Western Province v Griffons- Click here to bet
Western Province are currently 5th on the log with a 50% win/loss record this season. They were favourites last week at home to the Griquas, but went down 32-13 at home. That was their first home match of the season.
The Griffons lost their opening 3 matches, but got their first win back in the Currie Cup Premier League with a 32-28 victory over the Bulls at home last week. On their travels they have gone down by 16 points to the Sharks and by 15 points to the Lions.
Handicap: Western Province -15.5
The Griffons have punched above their weight at times this season and their tails will be up after a stunning home win over then Blue Bulls. Western Province are able to field a strong side despite their Championship Cup commitments and I am expecting them to draw clear and win comfortably.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Western Province -15.5 at 19/20
SUNDAY
Golden Lions v Cheetahs – Click here to bet
The Lions are 3rd on the log with 2 wins and 2 losses and they face the Cheetahs who sit 1 point above them in 2nd with 3 wins and 1 loss.
The Lions started underdogs at home to the Sharks last week and managed to win 34-22 and their other home game saw them beat the Griffons 41-26 and go down 44-28 to Western Province in the opening week.
The Cheetahs were top of the table heading into last week’s fixtures, but with their regular starters involved in Challenge Cup action they were hammered 21-61 by the Pumas in Bloemfontein. They are now back on the road where they have beaten the Griffons by 40 and Griquas by 23 points.
Handicap: Golden Lions +13.5
The Cheetahs are out of Europe and are able to field a virtual full strength team this week. They should beat this Lions side, but I don’t think they are going to have things all their own way.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Lions +13.5 at 10/11
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
