The Varsity Cup continues on Monday and we take a look at all four games from a betting angle.
The NWU Eagles are now the outright favourites at 12/10 to win the Varsity Cup ahead of the Ikeys at 2/1. You can get 33/10 Maties and 8/1 and better the balance.
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UJ v UFS Shimlas – Click here to bet
UJ started 4 point underdogs away to CUT in their opening round and that is exactly what the final margin of the game was with CUT winning 23-19.
UJ came back strongly in the second-half after trailing 13-0 at the break, but they just couldn’t surpass the home team.
Shimlas hosted UCT in their opening match and it was a game where the bookmakers were struggling to separate the sides. In the end we were treated to a real thriller with UCT eventually winning 38-32 after holding a 4 point lead at half-time.
Handicap: UJ +4.5
Total Points: 65.5
Shimlas once again showed that they are going to be the entertainers of the Varsity Cup and although UJ played in a low scoring match against CUT, I think the flood gates will open on both sides in this one.
Suggested Bet: Over 65.5 points at 17.20
NWU Eagles v UWC – Click here to bet
The Eagles were super impressive in their opening match starting narrow favourites and then kicking on to beat Maties 23-12 in Stellenbosch. The defending Champions held a 14-7 lead at the break and they are going to be very hard to stop in defence of their title.
UWC are the newcomers to Varsity Cup and they started off 19 point underdogs to Wits at home. There were those, myself included, who thought they may give Wits a run for their money, but it was not the case and after leading 31-10 at half-time, Wits had pulled clear for a massive 66-10 victory.
Handicap: Eagles -55.5
Total Points: 80.5
The Eagles were far and away the pick of the first week for me and if Wits could beat UWC by 56 on the road I am expecting the Eagles to win by more in Potchefstroom.
Suggested Bet: Eagles -55.5 at 17/20
Wits v CUT – Click here to bet
Wits are coming off that thumping 56 point victory over UWC away and they will be looking to show they are serious title contenders with a comfortable victory over CUT.
CUT though will be no pushovers having justified favouritism to beat UJ 23-19 at home.
Handicap: Wits -7.5
Total Points: 66.5
I am not particularly strong on this pick, but I think that this could be a close game and that under 66.5 points is a runner.
Suggested Bet: Under 66.5 points at 17/20
UCT Ikeys v Maties – Click here to bet
Ikeys were impressive in beating Shimlas 38-32 in Bloemfontein last week. They have moved above Maties in the Outright Betting to 2nd favourites.
There was plenty of talk about Maties winning their 1st Varsity Cup Title in 5 years and while it is not an impossibility they will have to improve on last week’s showing where they were totally dominated at times by the Eagles. In fact, Maties can probably take credit for keeping the score down and only losing by 9 points.
They now face a short, but tough trip to Cape Town to face their great rivals, UCT and this should be a great game to watch.
Handicap: UCT -3.5
Total Points: 60.5
It is always worth keeping an eye on the weather in this fixture and if it is windy then unders points is a big runner. Conditions look like being decent on Monday night though and at the end of the day I am coming down on the side of the home team as I feel this Maties side could be overrated based on past glory.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, UCT Ikeys -3.5 at 17/20
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
