The Lions will look to bounce back following their loss at the Mbombela last week while Province will get a sterner test than a third-string Bulls posed last week.
Golden Lions v Western Province
23 July 19h00
Emirates Airlines Park
To Win Match
Lions 26/10
Draw 25/1
Western Province 3/10
Handicap
Lions (+8.5) 9/10
Western Province (-8.5) 9/10
Cash van Rooyen’s charges are set to take on the British & Irish Lions next week and a win on Wednesday will give them big confidence heading into that very special match.
A number of returning players will provide a boost for the Johannesburg side following their 39-10 loss to the Pumas at the Mbombela, with the likes of Jaco Visagie, Morne van den Berg and Ruben Schoeman all named in the matchday squad.
Western Province, who beat a depleted Bulls lineup 48-24 at Loftus Versfeld last week, welcome back Juarno Augustus and Tim Swiel to the starting XV and can expect a much tougher contest in Johannesburg here.
Verdict: Lions +8.5 (9/10)
Province have been cast as heavy favourites in a game that should be much tighter in reality. While they have admittedly been fourth-best in the country over the past few months, have a strike on this Lions team to stay within a healthy cap at home. They’re more than capable of springing a surprise.
