The Golden Lions will be looking to get their 2018 Currie Cup campaign off to a flyer when they take on the struggling Griquas on Friday the 24th of August.
The Lions will be looking to begin their quest to secure their first piece of silverware since last winning the Currie Cup in 2015 this Friday evening. The men from Johannesburg have been handed a rather kind start to their tilt at the title as they face a Griquas side who look ripe for the taking.
Golden Lions v Griquas
Friday 24th of August
Emirates Airline Park
19:00
To Win (80 Mins)
Lions 1/20
Draw 25/1
Griquas 15/2
Handicap
Lions (-21.5) 9/10
Griquas (+21.5) 9/10
Lions
This weekend’s hosts have been hard hit by Springbok call-ups and a few of their stalwarts moving overseas. The likes of Warren Whiteley, Malcolm Marx, Aphiwe Dyanti and Lionel Mapoe are all on national duty, while Ruan Dreyer and Rohan Janse van Rensburg have made moves to England.
Nevertheless, the Lions still have some supremely talented players to call upon including veterans, Howard Mnisi and Andries Coetzee. They also have some very talented youngsters in their squad with Madosh Tambwe and Sylvian Mahuza capable of tearing opposing defences apart.
We can expect the Lions to run the ball from all quarters this Friday evening as they will look to get a bonus point win from this one.
Griquas
It looks like it is going to be a long season for the men from Griquland, who were well-beaten in the opening round by fellow minnows, the Pumas. This weekend’s visitors will have to solidify their defence – which slipped 42 points against the Pumas – if they are to avoid getting an absolute drubbing from the Lions.
The Griquas did manage to bag a few tries of their own during the opening round and narrowly missed out on a four-try bonus as forward Sias Koen failed to dot the ball down having crossed the Pumas line with the stadium clock in the red.
Verdict: Lions (-21.5) 9/10
I really do fear for the visitors here. The Lions have a very exciting backline, who should tear a weak Griquas defence apart. I can see the Lions clearing the handicap with ease.
