The Currie Cup returns after a short break and we take a look at all 3 matches from a betting angle.
FRIDAY
GRIQUAS v WESTERN PROVINCE
Griquas opened their campaign with a 10 point away loss to the Cheetahs and they were then on the road once again next time out pushing the Sharks all the way for a 24-23 loss in Durban. Their last game was a convincing 21 point victory over the Pumas in Kimberley and they now take on Western Province who they beat 46-25 in this fixture in last year’s Currie Cup.
Province beat the Lions in a high scoring encounter at home in their opening game before losing to the Bulls by 19 points and to the Sharks by 15, both games on the road.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Griquas 7/10
Draw 25/1
Western Province 13/10
Handicap: Griquas (-2.5)
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Western Province (+2.5) at 9/10
This isn’t a confident call, but I originally fancied the Griquas to struggle this season having lost a couple of players and I will stick to that theory and bet that Province had the edge on them across the park.
SATURDAY
PUMAS v CHEETAHS
The Pumas opened their account with a 14 point loss to a strong Bulls side in Nelspruit, they then came out and hammered the Lions by 41 points in Jo’burg before disappointing punters in losing 41-20 in Kimberley.
The Cheetahs beat the Griquas 30-20 at home in their first start before beating the Bulls by 13 points on the road. They had a bye in between that so this will be only their 3rd match of the competition.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Pumas 22/10
Draw 28/1
Griquas 4/10
Handicap: Pumas (+7.5)
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Pumas (+7.5) at 9/10
The Pumas are very seldom rolled over at home and although the Bulls beat them by 14 that was a virtual United Rugby Championship strength side.
GOLDEN LIONS v SHARKS
The Lions have only played 2 matches as they had a bye last time out. They opened their account with a 48-36 loss to Western Province on the road and were then absolutely destroyed 59 by the Pumas in Johannesburg.
They play a Sharks side that started with a bye before beating the Griquas by a single point at home and then running out fairly comfortable winners 35-20 against Western Province also in Durban.
Last time these sides met in the Currie Cup in Joburg the Sharks ran out comfortable 56-14 winners.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Golden Lions 33/10
Draw 30/1
Sharks 1/4
Handicap: Golden Lions (+10.5)
Suggested bet: Handicap, Golden Lions (+10.5) at 9/10
The Golden Lions are fielding what looks a very experimental side, but I am expecting some of the youngsters to step up to the plate and push this Sharks side all the way.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
