The Ndungne twins look ahead to this weekend's Champions and Challenge Cup rounds of 16 featuring SA's teams.
Sharks v Munster
Sharks 44/100 | Draw 20/1 | Munster
Handicap
Sharks (-5.5) 9/10 | Munster (+5.5) 9/10
Odwa:
“In Durban, the Sharks are hosting Munster, two teams coming off a loss in the URC. The Sharks have done really well in the Champions Cup, and I think it’s one competition that they are targeting. But it won’t be easy against Munster, a team with a lot of internationals and confidence. But the Sharks haven’t lost a Champions Cup game at home, and I see them winning by between 12 to 15-points.”
Akona:
“It should be an exciting game, especially with the performance the Sharks had last week in Wales. They’ll be very disappointed in that result with the lineup that they had, and they’re back at home and I’m sure they’ll want to make themselves and their supporters proud. It’s not going to be easy, Munster are a very good side, but I back the Sharks to pull it off.”
Stormers v Harlequins
Stormers 29/100 | Draw 22/1 | Harlequins 28/10
Handicap
Stormers (-8.5) 9/10 | Quins (+8.5) 9/10
Odwa:
“The Stormers are hosting Harlequins in Cape Town, a team that’s high on confidence. They did really well against Leinster in Ireland, and they play really well at home so it’ll be a tough challenge for Harlequins, who are also a team that’s done well in England. But the Stormers should be very good at what should hopefully be a packed Cape Town Stadium. I see the Stormers winning that as well.”
Akona:
“Stormers playing a very exciting game, they’re very entertaining, especially at home. Confidence is up and Harlequins are going to come and cause an upset, but I don’t see that happening. The Stormers should be able to win that game by between 10-15-points.”
Toulouse v Bulls
Toulouse 1/16 | Bulls 15/2
Handicap
Toulouse (-17.5) 17/20 | Bulls (+17.5) 17/20
Odwa:
“The Bulls are a team that hasn’t been doing well, so their confidence is quite low. But they’ve got some experience in their team and their coaching staff [but] I see them really struggling. I don’t think they can beat a very good Toulouse team, especially a team with a lot of experience in this competition. The Bulls might come short with that one.”
Akona:
“The Bulls are really struggling at the moment, going through a tough time. They haven’t won in a couple of matches, so it’s going to test the team, test their character. But if they show what they did in the first-half against Ulser, they might stand a chance. But with Toulouse having Six Nations player of the year Antoine Dupont in their squad, I don’t see that happening. Toulouse by 15-20.”
Lions v Racing 92
Odwa:
“The Lions are facing Racing 92 in Joburg. I think they have a very good chance of beating Racing at Emirates Airline Park. The Lions should win that.”
Akona:
“Lions are high on confidence coming away from Italy with a win and back at home in front of their fans. Playing a very good brand of rugby, scoring tries. They showed great fight in the game against Benetton last week and they should be confident enough to beat Racing 92.”
Toulon v Cheetahs
Odwa:
“The Cheetahs are up against Toulon in France. They’ve lost the experience of Francois Steyn, and they are a team that likes to play with the ball and play with a lot of freedom. They have a good chance of sneaking a win, so I think the Cheetahs can cause an upset.”
Akona:
“The Cheetahs are on a high after winning three Currie Cup games. We’ve seen the Cheetahs usually struggle playing away from home, but with the experience of Ruan Pienaar in the team marshalling things, they should have a chance. But I don’t see them progressing any further this tournament. I give this one to Toulon by 5-10-points.”
