Bulls, Treviso square off in Rainbow Cup Final

Treviso v Bulls
Saturday 19 June
Stadio di Monigo
18:30

To Win (80 Mins)

Treviso 22/10
Draw 25/1
Bulls 7/20

Treviso

Who would have thought that South Africa’s finest team would be squaring off against Italian outfit Treviso instead of one of the big Irish provinces? Not many, I’d wager. Fair play to Treviso, though. They were nothing short of brilliant during the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup campaign beating Glasgow, Connacht and Zebre before being handed four points for their final game against the Ospreys which was called off due to COVID.

While Bennetton are by no means a premiere side in the PRO14 they have developed rather nicely over the past few years and boast a quality squad that features the like of Monty Ioane, Corneil Els and former Springbok Andries Coetzee. The aforementioned South African boys could play key roles for Treviso this weekend as they will know most of the Bulls players rather well.

Bulls

The Bulls come into this one as red-hot favourites but they will need to be at their best this weekend, especially considering they are missing their Springboks who are preparing for the arrival of the British and Irish Lions.

As touched on in the intro, the Bulls were the best team in the Rainbow Cup tournament with their only defeat being a shock two-point loss to the Lions. They demonstrated their class last weekend as they beat a spirited and determined Sharks side 22-34 down in Durban.

With the Bulls without their Springboks, a lot of pressure will fall on the shoulders of fly-half Chris Smit who has been Morne Steyn’s understudy this season. He will need to have a really good game if the men from Tshwane are to lift the trophy this Saturday.

Verdict: Treviso 4/1

I really fancy Treviso’s chances here. They are at home and the Bulls are without their Springboks. The smart play is to back the hosts on the plus handicap. If you feel like taking a bit of a risk, then the 22/10 Treviso on the board bet offers some great value.