The Currie Cup regular season concludes this weekend and we take a look at all 4 matches from a betting angle.
Let’s start with a look at the Outright Betting where the Sharks are now trading as 14/10 favourites ahead of the Cheetahs at 18/10. The Blue Bulls are 22/10 and you can get 12/1 and better the balance.
Click here for Currie Cup Outright Betting
FRIDAY
Griffons v Golden Lions – Click here to bet
The Griffons have only won 1 match all season and last week they were beaten 64-33 by the Bulls in Pretoria, a result which given the handicap was +33.5 was good enough to see Griffons punters collect profits.
The Lions led 14-0 away to the Sharks last week, but ended up going down 29-21, a result that left them with only a slight mathematical hope of qualifying. They need to take the maximum 5 points against the Griffons and hope that the Pumas beat the Griquas, the Bulls lose to the Cheetahs without scoring a bonus point and the Sharks beat Western Province.
The Lions hosted the Griffons in Week 3 of the competition winning 41-26
Handicap: Griffons +23.5
The Lions haven't anything more than a mathematical chance of making it to the last 4, but I am expecting them to take the first step with a resounding victory over the Griffons.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, the Lions -23.5 at 9/10
SATURDAY
Griquas v Pumas – Click here to bet
Griquas are currently 5th on the log on 35 points just 1 point behind the Pumas who sit 3rd. For the Griquas this match is a must win and if the Pumas lose they put themselves at risk of going out of the tournament which would be very disappointing given the strong start they made.
Last week the Pumas went down 14-29 to the Cheetahs in Nelspruit and Griquas had an excellent 38-29 victory over the well backed Western Province at home.
When these sides met in Nelspruit in Week 3 the Pumas came out on top, 28-13.
Handicap: Griquas -3.5
The Griquas have been playing great rugby towards the back end of the season whereas the Pumas have been heading in the wrong direction. This is a crucial game for both teams and I think that the Griquas are going to have too much fire power at home and will win this one by 4 points or more. It ranks as my best bet of the Currie Cup card.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Griquas -3.5 at 9/10
Blue Bulls v Free State Cheetahs – Click here to bet
The Blue Bulls have fought their way back into playoff contention and currently sit in 4th spot, but by no means certain of progressing. They were at home to the Griffons last week running out comfortable 64-33 winners, but they face a tough challenge here as the Cheetahs are sitting 2nd on the log, 2 points behind the Sharks and will be looking for a win to keep themselves in with a chance of topping the log and therefore a home Final if they get that far.
The Cheetahs were away to the Pumas last week and turned in one of their better displays in sometime, winning 29-14.
These sides met in Bloemfontein in Week 3 with the Cheetahs winning 32-7
Handicap: Bulls -8.5
This should be a cracking game with both sides needing victory and I have to tip my hat to the bookies and say this handicap looks well set. I expect the points line to be somewhere around 59 or 60 and given it is a match that will be played with knock-out intensity I am going to take the unders.
Suggested Bet: Unders on points when available if priced around 59.5
Western Province v Sharks – Click here to bet
Province are 6th on the log after a disappointing 9 point loss away to the Griquas last weekend. Like the Lions they now have nothing more than a mathematical chance and if they can win this game with a bonus point, they have to hope that the Pumas fail to get a bonus point against the Griquas or beat the Griquas or that the Bulls are beaten with no more than a bonus point in their match.
The Sharks are top of the table with 10 wins in their 13 matches and if the Cheetahs lose to the Bulls they will be able to go into this game knowing that top spot is secured.
Last week the Sharks came from behind to beat the Lions 29-21 in Durban and when these sides met in Week 3 the Sharks got the better of Western Province 20-7 in a low scoring encounter in Durban.
Handicap: Western Province +1.5
This is a very tricky game to bet on as there is no way of knowing the teams motivation until the other matches have taken place. If the Bulls beat the Cheetahs for example then the Sharks will be guaranteed top spot on the log and the intensity will likely drop off (not intentionally of course).
Western Province may well need a big win with a bonus point to book their spot in the last 4, but there is also a chance that they have absolutely no hope of making the semi-finals by the time this game kicks off. My advice on this one is to wait until just before kick-off before placing a bet and then back the team that has more to play for.
Suggested Bet: Wait for kick-off as other results will have a big impact on motivation levels
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
