The Free State Cheetahs will be looking to defend their Currie Cup crown when the Tournament gets going this weekend. We take a look at the betting on the four matches taking place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Last year the Cheetahs beat the Pumas 25-17 in Bloemfontein and the year before that it was the Pumas who beat the Griquas in Kimberley.
Punters face a tricky opening weekend with no form to go on and many unknown players in the mix due to the unavailability of Boks and some URC players. That does give the opportunity to the rugby punter who does his research as the bookies are also low on information.
FRIDAY
GRIQUAS v PUMAS – Click here to bet
Griquas had a disappointing 2023 season, finishing second from bottom of the table although that was only 3 points outside the playoff positions. Stephan Smit will Captain the side from the flank and much will depend on George Whitehead’s form as flyhalf.
The Pumas gave the Cheetahs a good run for their money in the final last season and their always seems to be plenty of depth in the region. Clinton Swart is playing in the key flyhalf position, but I will put my hand up and say there are a number of player’s whose names I don’t recognise
Handicap: Griquas -6.5
Suggested Bet: Wait for the points lines, this should be a high scoring game
SHARKS v LIONS – Click here to bet
The Sharks finished runner-up last season, 3 points behind the table-topping Cheetahs, but they went down at home to the Pumas in the semi-final. Nick Hatton will captain the side from No. 8 and while the Sharks have made it clear that this Tournament is about development, there are some players with experience in the side.
The Lions finished 6th on the table last season with 6 victories and 8 defeats. All eyes will be on Kade Wolhuter as he looks to push for higher honours in Johannesburg, having moved up from the Cape a while back. I have always been a fan of scrumhalf Nico Steyn and there are some familiar names in the side.
Handicap: Sharks +4.5
Suggested Bet: I like the look of this Lions team, Lions -4.5
SATURDAY
CHEETAHS v GRIFFONS – Click here to bet
The Cheetahs are the defending champions and also topped the log last season. The Griffons finished bottom of the log with just 1 win and 13 losses.
The Cheetahs beat the Griffons by 23 points in this fixture last season.
There are not many familiar faces across the 2 teams but the Cheetahs are aside that is played in the Challenge Cup and they should win this easily.
Handicap: Cheetahs -15.5
Suggested Bet: Cheetahs -15.5 at 10/11
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SUNDAY
WESTERN PROVINCE v BLUE BULLS – Click here to bet
Western Province missed the playoffs last season finishing in 5th place with a 50% win/loss record over their 14 games.
The Blue Bulls had the same record with 7 wins and 7 losses, but finished 1 point ahead of Western Province courtesy of more bonus points. They were away to the Cheetahs in the semi-final where they were well beaten 37-10.
The depth in Bulls rugby is as good as it has been in years and I think they will be too strong for WP.
Handicap: Western Province +5.5
Suggested Bet: Bulls -4.5 at 10/11
World Sports Betting have also priced up on the CURRIE CUP 1ST DIVISION.
Border +19.5 v Eastern Province – click here to bet
SWD Eagles +12.5 v Valke – click here to bet
Boland -19.5 v Leopards – click here to bet
Click here for betting on all Currie Cup and International fixtures
