With the semi-finals just around the corner, there’s plenty still to play for as the Currie Cup enters its eighth round with the pick of the weekend’s matchups seeing the second-placed Lions travel to Bloemfontein to take on the third-placed Cheetahs.
Friday 23 August
Bulls 1/20 | Draw 35/1 | Griquas 8/1 (19:05)
Handicap
Bulls (-22.5) 9/10 | Griquas (+22.5) 9/10
The Bulls are three points clear at the summit of the standings with two of their final three round-robin clashes set to be played in Pretoria, starting with Griquas on Friday. The 2021 champions will be eager to capitalise on their Loftus advantage and potentially even wrap up top spot over the coming fortnight, with a matchup against a struggling Griquas outfit presenting them with an ideal opportunity to advance their cause.
The men from Kimberley have been far from their best this season, occupying seventh on the log albeit heading into the weekend after claiming their second win in a resounding 59-7 walloping of Griffons in Welkom. Unfortunately for them though, there’s little to suggest they will be able to keep pace with this powerful Bulls lineup on Friday.
Verdict: Bulls (-22.5) 9/10
The hosts to lock down all five log points on offer.
Saturday 24 August
Western Province 12/10 | Draw 25/1 | Hollywoodbets Sharks 7/10 (15:00)
Handicap
Province (+2.5) 9/10 | Sharks (-2.5) 9/10
WP’s experiment with youngsters has not yet borne fruit after suffering their fifth defeat of the campaign against the Lions in Joburg last week. Now seven points adrift of the top four, it’s looking increasingly likely the famous blue and white hoops won’t play a part post-season. While they will have the home support on their side on Saturday, they will need a big shift to prevent a fit and firing Hollywoodbets Sharks team from taking the win.
The Durbanites’ fantastic 25-20 win over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein a week ago propelled them into fourth place, from which they trail the Free Staters by just three points. JP Pietersen’s men seem to be finding their rhythm at the right time and will be difficult to stop in the run-in to the knockouts.
Verdict: Hollywoodbets Sharks 7/10
Get on the Sharks to take the result in Cape Town.
Free State Cheetahs 14/10 | Draw 25/1 | Golden Lions 13/20 (17:00)
Handicap
Cheetahs (+2.5) 9/10 | Lions (-2.5) 9/10
The third-placed Cheetahs lead the Sharks by just three points following their recent home defeat against the Hollywoodbets Sharks, but a big enough win over the Lions here will see them leapfrog the Joburgers into second. The defending champions will certainly be feeling the pressure, particularly given Saturday marks their last round-robin clash at home this year, but one would think Izak van der Westhuizen’s troops will respond positively come the weekend.
Trailing the Bulls by three points on the log, a victory at Toyota Stadium would do wonders for the Lions in their bid to finish top. That will be easier said than done though given what could be one of this season’s most fiercely contested games, but the visitors do have momentum from a three-game winning run.
Verdict: Cheetahs 14/10
Get on the hosts to come away with the goods in what should be a topsy-turvy affair. Probably one of the value bets of the weekend at 14/10.
Sunday 25 August
Griffons 14/1 | Draw 40/1 | Pumas 1/100 (15:00)
Handicap
Griffons (+28.5) 9/10 | Pumas (-28.5) 9/10
The Griffons were soundly beaten by Griquas last week in a game that arguably represented their best chance at getting a first campaign win. Coming up against a Pumas outfit looking to force their way back into the top four, they could struggle again.
After finishing as runners-up last year, Jimmy Stonehouse’s side are in real danger of missing out on the semi-finals this season and require an immediate response in Welkom. They’ve proven they can hit back when the going gets tough and should do so here.
Verdict: Pumas (-28.5) 9/10
The Pumas to keep the pace with the top four with a full haul of log points.
