There were very few amongst us who could have forecast a Griquas v Pumas, Currie Cup Final in Kimberley, but that is exactly what we have on Saturday afternoon and it should be a thrilling game.
A quick look at the weather suggests we should have a cool, but clear day and hopefully these two hungry teams can serve up a spectacle.
Griquas finished 3rd on the log and completed their regular season with a come from behind 45-44 win over the Pumas in Nelspruit. That meant they were off to Pretoria for their semi-final against the Bulls and after absorbing some early pressure they dominated the match to win 30-19, a game where it is worth noting the bookmakers had them starting 5 point underdogs. Griquas last home game was in Round 12 when they beat the Cheetahs 46-18.
The Pumas had already booked their place in the last 4 prior to the loss against Griquas in the final round as the Sharks had played Western Province just before them and the Province win sealed the deal for the Pumas. They then travelled to Bloemfontein where they started 10 point underdogs against the Cheetahs. The Pumas were on top from the start and the final score line of 38-35 doesn’t do justice to the manner in which they put the Cheetahs away. Looking at their regular season form their last away match was against the Cheetahs and there they came out 29-28 victors and they have beaten Western Province and the Sharks on the road this season.
When these sides met in Kimberley earlier in the season it was Griquas who came out on top 41-20 and last season these sides played out an uncharacteristically low scoring 13-13 draw in a game which almost served as a quarter-final.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Griquas 40/85
Draw 20/1
Pumas 21/10
Handicap: Griquas -5.5
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Griquas (-5.5) at 19/20
Both these sides have impressed me this season, but I think that Griquas at home in front of a packed stadium are going to pack too many guns for the Pumas.
There are already plenty of other markets out such as First Try Scorer where Luther Obi and Munier Hartzenberg are disputing favouritism at 9/1 and the Winning Margin will also be a popular market for punters with the Griquas to win by under 12.5 trading at 14/10.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
