The Currie Cup action keeps on coming with another enthralling installment set to go down this weekend. We’ll take a look at the Cheetahs versus Griquas clash below.
It will be first versus fourth at the Toyota Stadium this Saturday as the log-leading Cheetahs will look to extend their gap on the chasing pack by getting one over the Griquas. The visitors provided the shock of this year’s tournament during the midweek set of fixtures as they downed Western Province at Tafel Larger Park. The aforementioned victory saw the men from Kimberley jump from the foot of the table right up to the last semi-final berth.
So can the Cheetahs remain unbeaten or will the Griquas claim another massive scalp?
Cheetahs v Griquas | Saturday 12 August | Toyota Stadium | 14:05
To Win (80 Mins)
Cheetahs 1/33| Draw 35/1 | Griquas 8/1
Cheetahs
It’s quite sad to think that the Cheetahs will field a second strength side from the beginning of September as the men from the Free State really do have this tournament at their mercy. Four games in and Rory Duncan’s men have looked untouchable with their lowest margin of victory being an 11-point win over the Pumas. They currently sit on top of the log by virtue of points difference, but it must be noted that they have played one game fewer than the second placed Sharks, who they beat 47-12 last weekend.
For all the above compliments, the Cheetahs still do have an Achilles heel; their defensive structure. And while the Free Staters are able to outscore anyone in the competition, their newly installed coach will want a much more solid effort on defence from his side especially after they conceded 34 points to the Pumas this past Wednesday
Griquas
Just when you think you have the Griquas sussed out they go and pull a miracle result out the bag a la Wednesday. The hosts were basically given no chance heading into their home clash with Western Province with the bookies pricing a Province win up at 2/13. And lo and behold, both the bookies and myself were made to eat humble pie with the Griquas beating Province 44-34.
Look, Province were their own worst enemies during their outing to Kimberley with two yellow cards costing the Capetonians a plethora of points, but the manner in which the Griquas converted their opportunities when blessed with a numerical advantage, was quite impressive. They will need to be even more clinical this coming Saturday as the Cheetahs are a lot more lethal with ball-in-hand than the men from the Western Cape.
Verdict: Cheetahs 1/33
Province’s poor midweek performance has done rugby punters a massive favour here as the books are likely to open up the handicap in the high teens. I personally cannot see anything but a big win for the Cheetahs this Saturday.
