With only two teams left standing in this year’s Currie Cup, all eyes turn to Ellis Park in Johannesburg where the Lions will host the Griquas in Saturday’s final. We break down the matchup from a betting perspective and offer up a couple of bets for consideration.
Lions
The Lions finished the pool stage just ahead of the Griquas, topping the table on points difference after both sides won five of their seven matches. Their only defeats came away to Boland and the Cheetahs, but a strong defensive record, conceding just 147 points while scoring 244, proved the difference in securing first place. In the semi-finals they produced their most complete performance of the season, brushing aside Boland 67–19 at Ellis Park to book their place in the final.
Griquas
The Griquas pushed the Lions all the way in the pool stage, finishing level on five wins from seven matches and only missing out on top spot due to bonus points. They were consistent throughout, scoring 238 points while conceding 190, and showed plenty of attacking intent. Their two defeats came against the Lions in Johannesburg and the Pumas in Nelspruit. In the semi-finals they produced an outstanding defensive display in Kimberley, restricting the Cheetahs to just five points in a 25–5 victory that underlined their toughness and ability to step up in knockout rugby.
Head-to-Head
The two sides met in the last round of group stage matches where the Lions won the match 37-7 at home in Johannesburg. The Lions have won their last three matches against the Griquas with the Griquas winning the two before that.
Betting and Verdict
The Lions are favourites to win the match and are trading at 1.03 while the Griquas are trading at 11.00 for the win with the draw currently at 41.00.
Handicap: Lions [-23.5] at 1.85
The Lions managed to beat the Griquas comfortably in their most recent meeting, but a final is a very different occasion and both sides will be fully committed. Looking back at their last four encounters, none of the winning margins exceeded 12 points, which suggests this matchup has been far tighter than the latest scoreline might imply. With everything on the line at Ellis Park, I expect the Griquas to rise to the occasion and make this contest far closer than the handicap suggests
BET: Handicap, Griquas [+23.5] at 1.85
Our 2nd bet will follow on Saturday morning when we have points lines and player try scorer markets – see below
Points is quoted at 56.5 and my 2nd bet will be an anytime try scorer play.
He has 8 this season, joint top and another try will see him top the pile.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
