Written by @QuintenLetcher for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
Last week delivered probably the most exhilarating round of clashes we’ve seen so far in this season’s race for the coveted Currie Cup trophy, producing results that fortunately allow for a far more interesting contest from here on in. A powerful home performance by the Lions last week reined in the up-until-then untameable Western Province side’s lead on the table to a manageable four points. Griquas followed up their shock win over the Sharks in Round 5 with a hard fought victory over a passionate Pumas outfit on Kimberley’s notoriously barren terrain, allowing the Lions to sneak into second spot on the log. The Sharks were cruelly forced to split the points with the Cheetahs last week as an inconsiderate 81st minute Willie du Plessis penalty denied the visitors the much needed win, leaving the defending champs unmoved on the table in fourth.
Golden Lions vs Pumas | Friday 19 September | Ellis Park | 19:10
The Lions will be looking to come away with maximum points this weekend to further narrow the gap between them and table-topping Western Province.
To Win (80mins)
Lions 1/6
Pumas 43/10
Draw 28/1
Handicaps
Lions (-11.5) 9/10
Pumas (+11.5) 9/10
Johan Ackerman has made only one forced change to the side that last week gave Province their first taste of defeat for the season, with Martin Muller starting in the second row for the injured MB Lusaseni. The Lions remain unbeaten at home this season and pulled off a commendable performance last week, but their lapse of concentration while defending in the dying minutes very nearly cost them the match as Province snuck through for two desperate tries. It would be wise to avoid such folly against the competition’s unpredictable newcomers this Friday night. The Pumas also run out with just a solitary change to their starting line-up as Dylon Frylinck returns from injury to replace Reynier van Rooyen at scrumhalf. The Pumas suffered their second defeat of the season last week despite outscoring their opponents two tries to one. Poor discipline allowed the lethal Gouws Prinsloo to add a crippling 24 points for Griquas through penalties alone.
VERDICT: Pumas (+11.5) 9/10
The Pumas learned a harsh enough lesson about the importance of discipline last week, which will hopefully ensure a far more composed side taking the field come Saturday afternoon. The Lions are going to be tough at home, but I feel the Pumas have what it takes to give them a decent run for their money.
Western Province vs Griquas | Saturday 20 September | Newlands | 15:00
Western Province will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s humbling loss to the Lions with a compelling home victory this Saturday, but with Griquas in fine form at the moment that could prove trickier than anticipated for Allister Coetzee’s men.
To Win (80mins)
Province 1/12
Griquas 7/1
Draw 30/1
Handicaps
Province (-15.5) 9/10
Griquas (+15.5) 9/10
Allister Coetzee has held off on naming his run on side for Saturday’s clash as he awaits news on the fitness of winger Kobus van Wyk and hooker Stephan Coetzee, who both left the field injured in last week’s loss to the Lions at Ellis Park. Province suffered a big blow with the loss of Springbok flanker Siya Kolisi, who tore ligaments in both his knees last week and is unlikely to return for at least the next four weeks. His competent replacement last week, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, is expected to start against Griquas. Griquas head coach Hawies Fourie has made three changes to his side for Saturday’s clash with the competition frontrunners. All the changes take place in the forwards with prop Maks van Dyk coming into the run on side for the injured Ewald van der Westhuizen, Burger Schoeman slotting in at eight and lock Hugo Kloppers set to join Hilton Lobberts in the second row.
VERDICT: Western Province (-15.5) 9/10
It is a big handicap to clear against the battle hardened men from Kimberley, but considering Province have managed an average win margin of 24 points at Newlands so far this season, I’m convinced they’ll clear it with ease.
Eastern Province Kings vs Free State Cheetahs | Saturday 20 September | Nelson Mandela Stadium | 15:00
The Kings remain winless in their somewhat inglorious first season back in the competition’s top tier, but with an inconsistent Cheetahs outfit headed for Port Elizabeth this weekend, that could soon change.
To Win (80mins)
Kings 32/10
Cheetahs 1/4
Draw 28/1
Handicaps
Kings (+8.5) 9/10
Cheetahs (-8.5) 9/10
Kings coach Carlos Spencer has been forced to make several changes to his beleaguered side this weekend following injuries to Tim Whitehead, Edgar Marutlulle and David Bulbring. Ronnie Cooke shifts across into the midfield to replace Whitehead, with Siyanda Grey returning from illness to start on the wing. In the forwards, Martin Ferreira will start at hooker while Darron Nell takes over from Bulbring in the second row. Cheetahs coach Rory Duncan has made just two changes to the side that drew in Bloemfontein against the Sharks last week, with speedster Raymond Rhule returning to the left wing and Clayton Blommetjies claiming the number fifteen jersey from the injured Rayno Benjamin.
VERDICT: Kings (+8.5) 9/10
The Kings may still be winless after six games, but considering they’ve faced the Lions, Western Province and the Blue Bulls all twice at this point of the competition, I think it is safe to say the worst is over for Carlos Spencer’s side. The Cheetahs will in all likeliness prove too strong for the home side, but I can’t see the Kings being more than a converted try behind at the sound of the siren.
Blue Bulls vs Sharks | Saturday 20 September | Loftus Versfeld | 17:05
We’ve come to expect a certain level of mesmerising intensity whenever these two South African powerhouses clash, but with the volatile form displayed by both sides over the recent weeks we could be left wanting this Saturday.
To Win (80mins)
Bulls 11/20
Sharks 31/20
Draw 25/1
Handicaps
Bulls (-4.5) 9/10
Sharks (+4.5) 9/10
The Blue Bulls will welcome the return of Grant Hattingh, Dean Greyling, Lohan Jacobs, Morne Mellett, Jesse Kriel and Callie Visagie from injury for this week’s clash with the Sharks. They will, however, be without skipper Deon Stegmann who received a week’s ban for dirty play against the Kings last weekend. The Sharks attack took a bit of a blow with the loss of veteran Springbok Odwa Ndungane for this weekend’s must win clash after the evasive winger picked up a groin injury in last week’s 30-30 draw with the Cheetahs. The loss of Ndungane has been slightly offset by the release of Springbok speedster Lwazi Mvovo for this week’s Currie Cup action as the Rugby Championship takes a small break.
VERDICT: Bulls (-4.5) 9/10
The Bulls have improved considerably over the past few weeks and head into this game on the back of two convincing wins, while the Sharks have battled to find their early form in the competition that had them undefeated after three rounds of action. We all know just how treacherous a trip to Loftus to face the Bulls can be for any side and considering the Sharks haven’t pulled off an away victory since their opening round clash with Griquas, it makes a Bulls victory seem all the more certain.
Think we’ve got it wrong? Well leave your comments below and tell us how you think this is going to play out.
