The final instalment of Currie Cup midweek fixtures will be served up this Wednesday and, with things as tight as they are on the log, every game will be of vital importance.
Pumas v Bulls
Wednesday 18 August
Mbombela Stadium
14:30
To Win Match
Pumas 9/2
Draw 25/1
Bulls 1/6
We kick things off in Nelspruit where the third-place Pumas will be looking to do some giant slaying when they take on the log-leading Bulls. While the hosts will be desperate to take a couple points from this one, a loss would not rule them out of the semi-final running as they have two handy fixtures after this with clashes against the Cheetahs and Griquas. Should the Bulls deliver on their favourites tag, then they would guarantee themselves a home semi-final.
In terms of last weekends fixtures, the men from Pretoria were extremely professional as they held a spirited Lions side at arm’s length to run out 21-48 victors at Ellis Park.
The Pumas, on the other hand, were involved in an absolute thriller as a late try from Eddie Swart handed the Pumas a famous 40-40 draw down in Cape Town.
Verdict: Bulls 1/6
The Bulls should have no problems registering a big win over a solid but far from spectacular Pumas outfit.
Free State Cheetahs v Griquas
Wednesday 18 August
Toyota Stadium
16:45
To Win Match
Cheetahs 9/20
Draw 25/1
Griquas 7/4
The cellar-dwelling Cheetahs will be looking to keep their semi-final hopes alive by getting one over the fourth-placed Griquas this Wednesday.
The hosts have had a poor season and have only managed to register two wins from the nine games they have played. They head into one off the back of a spirited 38-21 loss to the Sharks, which saw them play the majority of the second half with just 14 men after Jaques Potgieter was red-carded in the 43rd minute.
The Griquas will come into this one rather fresh having enjoyed a bye this past weekend. The break came just at the right time as well as they were hammered 56-33 by the Bulls last Wednesday.
Verdict: Griquas 7/4
I don’t know what it is about this Cheetahs side but they just cannot seem to buy a win at the moment. I reckon it’ll be a narrow run thing at the Toyota Stadium this Wednesday, which is why I’m leaning towards the visitors on the plus.
Western Province v Golden Lions
Wednesday 18 August
Cape Town Stadium
19:00
To Win Match
Province 4/10
Draw 25/1
Lions 19/10
Wednesday’s action comes to a close with a south v north derby as the Lions travel to Cape Town to take on what will be a smarting Western Province outfit.
Both of these sides had a poor time of it in Round 11 with the Lions tamed by the Bulls and Province suffering a shock draw At home against the Pumas. While the Lions’ brain’s trust will be rather annoyed with how limp their side was, it will be John Dobson and the rest of the Province coaching staff who will be seething headed into this one.
Province somehow managed to throw away a 14 point lead during the final salvos of their game against the Pumas. This has had a major impact on their standing on the log with the men from the Cape now sitting fifth on the log. They will need to get their act together sharpish as they have been ill-disciplined throughout the tournament.
Verdict: Western Province 4/10
I’m expecting a massive response from the hosts here which is why I’m backing them in the minus handicap.
