The Currie Cup continues this weekend and we take a look at the 4 games from a betting angle.
Western Province are currently 5/2 favourites to lift the Cup ahead of defending Champions, the Pumas at 33/10 and the Cheetahs also at 33/10. The Sharks are 9/2, you can get 6/1 the Bulls and 12/1 and better the balance.
Click here for Currie Cup Outright Betting Markets
FRIDAY
Pumas v Golden Lions – Click here to bet
The Pumas turned in the performance of the weekend in Week 1 hammering the Bulls 63-15 on the road despite starting the game 12 point underdogs.
They face a Golden Lions side that were well beaten 28-44 by Western Province at home and it is no doubt that with some trepidation that they go down to Nelspruit for this fixture.
Handicap: Pumas -15.5
This is a really a big handicap although I think the Pumas can cover it I prefer the total points market where I am leaning towards the over 58.5. The bet I prefer though is the Golden Lions total points to be over 29.5 as for all the Pumas attributes they can be shaky in defence and the Lions can get amongst the points.
Suggested Bet: Golden Lions over 21.5 at 5/6
Blue Bulls v Western Province – Click here to bet
There has been a big shift in the betting in this game since the Bulls have named their side, as it is effectively a URC team against a Currie Cup side. The problem is there was a similar shift last week when the Bulls were home to the Pumas with the handicap moving from -4.5 to -12.5, but it was the Pumas who ran out 48 point victors at Loftus.
Western Province were down the road in Johannesburg beating the Golden Lions 44-28 and this certainly seems to be a happy camp at the moment.
Handicap: Blue Bulls -1.5
My main focus in this game will probably be the points lines, but for now I think that Western Province represents the value and I am not sure they should be underdogs for this one.
Suggested Bet: Western Province win at 11/10
SUNDAY
Griffons v Cheetahs – Click here to bet
The Griffons were away to the Sharks last week where they started 13.5 point underdogs and were eventually beaten 32-16 despite a fast start. They face a Cheetahs side that made short work of Griquas, winning 42-19 in Kimberley and the side certainly looked to have benefitted from being involved in the Challenge Cup.
Handicap: Griffons +23.5
I expect the Griffons to put up some early resistance, but this Cheetahs side should be far too strong for them and I am backing the visitors to win by 24 points or more.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Cheetahs -23.5 at 10/11
Griquas v Sharks – Click here to bet
This game takes place at 16.05 on Sunday and by then as a punter you are either on a good weekend and looking to put the cherry on top or you are chasing harder to make your money back.
Griquas actually opened +5.5 and were quickly backed in to favourites although I am not sure I share the confidence of those punters after what was a disappointing Griquas performance last week.
The Sharks were hardly perfect at home to the Griffons, but they did get a 16 point win and beat the handicap.
Handicap: Griquas -2.5
Once again I look forward to seeing the points lines on this one, but for a bet in the interim I am going to back the Sharks to win this one on the board.
Suggested Bet: Sharks win at 14/10
Click here for all of the weekends Rugby Betting action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
