We take a look at the final set of Super Rugby Unlocked fixtures, which will get underway on Friday the 20th of November.
Image copyright – Steve Haag Sports
The Bulls’ match against the Pumas has been moved from Friday to Saturday with a time yet to be announced at the time of writing. The men from Pretoria have all but sewn up the title following news that the Sharks’ fixture against the Stormers was cancelled. This after news of several positive Covid-19 test results among their tighthead props.
The other game taking place this weekend is a clash between the Cheetahs and Griquas, which will take place on Saturday afternoon.
Bulls v Pumas
Saturday 21 November
Lotfus Versfeld
Time TBC
To Win (80 Mins) TBC
Bulls
Draw
Pumas
Handicap TBC
Bulls
Pumas
Jake White has basically wrapped up the Super Rugby Unlocked title in his first season at the helm of the Pretoria based franchise. While the title isn’t as prestigious as the trans-country Super Rugby title, White will still be pleased to put something in the trophy cabinet after only a couple months in the hot seat at Loftus.
So what could possibly put a dampener on White’s and the Bulls’ party? A Pumas side who have been far from show-stopping this term. Don’t get me wrong, the Pumas have given a decent account of themselves with the highlight of their campaign being a narrow and controversial defeat to the Stormers a few weeks back.
Apart from that game though, the Pumas haven’t caused the big guns that many problems going down 19-42 to the Sharks and 53-31 to the Cheetahs.
Verdict: Bulls
I’m expecting a professional showing from the Bulls. I doubt they’ll go hunting tries and they may be a bit conservative here. I expect them to get the job done but a more measured approach is likely to see them fail to clear this ‘cap.
Cheetahs v Griquas
Saturday 21 November
Free State Stadium
16:30
To Win (80 Mins)
Cheetahs 1/16
Draw 40/1
Griquas 7/1
Handicap
Cheetahs 9/10 (-19.5)
Griquas 9/10 (+19.5)
The Cheetahs and Griquas will square off in the next game of the day. The hosts may not be able to win Super Rugby Unlocked but they still be looking for the full five-point haul as the log points accrued in Super Rugby are carried over into this year’s Currie Cup. Likewise, the Griquas will be hoping to pick up some log points so as to hopefully avoid picking up both the Super Rugby Unlocked wooden spoon and the coming Currie Cup wooden spoon.
Both teams endured disappointing Round 5 showings with the Cheetahs being hammered 30-13 and the Griquas missing out on their first win of the season courtesy of a late Curwin Bosch penalty that saw them go down 33-43 to the Sharks.
Verdict: Cheetahs 9/10 (-19.5)
I reckon we’re in for some free running rugby at the Free State Stadium. I can see the Cheetahs clearing the ‘cap in a high scoring old affair.
Sharks v Stormers
Saturday 21 November
CANCELLED
Unfortunately, in line with Covid-19 protocols, the match between the Sharks and the Stormers has been called off. This comes following several of the Sharks’ tighthead props testing positive for the virus.
This follows the cancellation of the Lions’ two fixtures against the Cheetahs and the Pumas. The Sharks and Stormers will likely each receive two log points apiece for the cancelled match which effectively crowns the Bulls Super Rugby Unlocked Champions.
