After 10 rounds of rugby only four teams remain in this years Currie Cup.
The Lions, who finished top of the log, will host the Cheetahs in Johannesburg followed by the Bulls against the Sharks in Pretoria. We look at the two matches from a betting angle.
Lions v Cheetahs – Click here to bet
The Lions finished top of the table after winning 9 of their 10 matches. They have won their last six matches in a row where they managed to score 36 points or more on every occasion. Their most recent match was against the Griffons at home last weekend where they won the match 62-5.
The Cheetahs just managed to grab their semi-final spot on the last day as they beat the Pumas 14-41 away from home in what was effectively a quarter-final. That was their 5th win of their 10 matches so far this season.
Head-to-Head
The two sides met once in this years Currie Cup in Bloemfontein in round 8. The Lions got off to a hot start with two early tries and managed the game from there. They went on to win the match 21-38 continuing their winning streak.
Of the last 5 matches between the two sides, the Lions have won the two most recent fixtures with the Cheetahs winning the other 3.
Betting and Verdict
After their impressive performances so far this season the bookies have the Lions as favourites to win, trading at 1.18 while the Cheetahs are trading at 5.50. I can see the Lions being too strong for the Cheetahs this weekend and they should comfortably win the match, beating the handicap in the process.
Handicap: Lions [-11.5]
BET: Handicap, Lions [-11.5] at 1.85.
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Bulls v Sharks – Click here to bet
The Bulls finished 2nd on the table after winning 7 of their 10 matches. They started the season strong but did not have the greatest finish losing their last two matches.
The Sharks started slowly, but put in the hard yards and got on a good run of form. They ended up winning 6 of their 10 matches. Of their last 7 matches they have won 6 and drawn 1.
Head-to-Head
The two sides met in Durban last weekend where the Sharks came out on top winning the match 24-18 in wet conditions. The lead changed hands on numerous occasions and in what promises to be better conditions at Loftus, fans should be treated to a spectacle.
Of the last 5 matches between the two sides in the Currie Cup and URC the Bulls have won 3 while the Sharks have won the other 2.
Betting and Verdict
The bookies have the Bulls as favourites to win this weekend and have them at 1.53 while the Sharks are trading at 2.70.
The Bulls may have the home ground advantage, but the Sharks have had the best run of form of any team over the last 7 weeks and I can see them using that momentum coming into this weekend to book themselves a spot in the final.
Handicap: Sharks [+4.5]
BET: Sharks to win at 2.70.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change