We are fast approaching the business end of the Currie Cup and we take a look at the 3 matches taking place this weekend and suggest a bet in each of them.

 

 

 

FRIDAY

BLUE BULLS v PUMAS

The Blue Bulls top the table on 42 points, 1 ahead of the Free State Cheetahs who have played a game less.

Last time out they beat the Lions 43-37 at home and their previous match was also a home game against Western Province finishing 45-34.

The Pumas are currently in 5^th place sitting just outside of the playoff spots, but only 1 point behind Griquas with both teams having played 9 matches. They are also 4 points behind the Sharks who have played a game more than them.

The Pumas started favourites last time out at home to Western Province, but lost 17-23 and prior to that they beat the Sharks by 10 points on the road.

When these sides met in Nelspruit earlier in the season a strong Bulls side won 33-19

BETTING – Click here to bet

Blue Bulls 2/13

Draw 30/1

Pumas 11/2

Handicap: Blue Bulls -12.5

Suggested Bet: First-Half Handicap, Blue Bulls (-5.5) at 17/20

I am expecting a no nonsense approach from the Bulls and looking at them to take a lead of 6 points or more into the half-time break.

 

SATURDAY

GRIQUAS v FREE STATE CHEETAHS

Griquas are currently 4^th on the log only 1 point ahead of the Pumas and 3 points behind the Sharks who have played a game more.

The Griquas last match was a 48-38 loss to the Bulls at Loftus, a score line which flattered them due to some late consolation tries. They had previously been on the road to the Lions winning 23-17 and their last home match was a low scoring 13-6 loss to the Sharks.

The Cheetahs are 2^nd on the log, 1 point behind the Bulls who have played a game more and they have won all 9 of their matches to date. They were back to their best last time out beating the Sharks 44-15 in Bloemfontein and prior to that they were away in Johannesburg winning 35-26.

The Cheetahs and the Griquas met in Round 1 of the Currie Cup with the Cheetahs winning 30-20 at home.

 

BETTING – Click here to bet

Griquas 33/10

Draw 28/1

Free State Cheetahs 1/4

Handicap: Griquas +10.5

Suggested Bet: Handicap, Griquas (+10.5) at 9/10

The Griquas only loss at home this season came to a URC laden Bulls side in Round 5. They are always a tough nut to crack in Kimberley and I am backing them to stay within the handicap here.

 

GOLDEN LIONS v WESTERN PROVINCE

The Golden Lions are bottom of the table 8 points behind 2^nd from bottom, Western Province. The Lions have no chance of contesting the playoffs while Western Province are holding on to a mathematical chance at best.

The Lions have lost all 10 of their games this season and last time out went down 43-37 away to the Bulls despite starting favourites having named a strong side with a number of URC players in it. Their last home game was a 35-26 loss to the Cheetahs.

Province have won 2 and lost 7 of their 9 matches this season and one of those wins came last time out in Nelspruit where they beat the Pumas by 6 points, a game where they started underdogs. Prior to that they put up a commendable effort in Bloemfontein going down by 7 points to the Cheetahs.

 

BETTING – Click here to bet

Golden Lions 4/10

Draw 25/1

Western Province 23/10

Handicap: Golden Lions -6.5

Suggested Bet: Handicap, Golden Lions (-6.5) at 9/10

Western Province have shown improved form, but a close to full strength Golden Lions side should be able to win comfortably.

 

Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change