Exciting news coming in this week as the Currie Cup semi-finals have been postponed by a whole seven days to avoid clashing with the Springboks’ Rugby Championship fixture against the mighty New Zealand on the 8th of October. This shift could dramatically influence the destination of the Currie Cup title this year.
The Lions could be the headline favorites if their Springbok stars return just in time for the semis. As defending champions, the Lions are priced as strong contenders, currently standing as the second favourites, with the unbeaten Cheetahs leading the pack in betting odds. Not much shake-up is expected on the outright stakes this week, given three of the four Round 8 matches are dead rubbers. The real nail-biter is the Griquas vs Western Province clash scheduled for Kimberley.
Boland Kavaliers v Blue Bulls | Friday 23 September | Boland Stadium | 15:00
To Win (80 Mins)
Boland 12/1 | Draw 35/1 | Bulls 1/50
Handicap
Boland (+25.5) 9/10 | Bulls (-25.5) 8/10
Kicking off early Friday, Boland take on the Bulls in the Western Cape. The Kavaliers are out of contention for the semis, while the Bulls sit joint second on the log with 25 points. A bonus point win should secure their semi-final spot.
In their previous outings, Bulls demolished the Griquas, contrasting with Boland’s 24-point loss to the same rivals.
Verdict: Bulls (-25.5) 9/10
Expect the Bulls to comfortably gain the bonus point, as Boland has struggled against top teams, losing heavily in recent matches. Punters should back the Bulls to clear the handicap and pick up a 5-point haul.
Pumas v Cheetahs | Friday 23 September | Mbombela Stadium | 18:40
To Win (80 Mins)
Pumas 11/1 | Draw 35/1 | Cheetahs 1/50
Handicap
Pumas (+22.5) 9/10 | Cheetahs (-22.5) 9/10
The Cheetahs aim to secure a home semi-final, and possibly a home final, overcoming a spirited Pumas side fresh off a great effort against Western Province.
The Pumas were narrowly defeated by Province but remain winless this season. It’s likely their tough run continues this week.
The Cheetahs showed tremendous spirit with an impressive come-from-behind win over the Lions last Thursday, reminiscent of the Lions’ past campaign drives.
Cheetahs coach Franco Smith makes seven changes but strengthens key areas, including the return of star centre Francois Venter.
Verdict: Cheetahs (-22.5) 9/10
Back the Cheetahs to put up a big score at Mbombela and cover the -22.5 handicap.
Griquas v Western Province | Friday 23 September | Griqua Park | 19:00
To Win (80 Mins)
Griquas 15/10 | Draw 22/1 | WP 11/20
Handicap
Griquas (+4.5) 9/10 | WP (-4.5) 9/10
The standout match of the weekend, despite a run of seemingly one-sided fixtures. Traditionally a clear Province win, injuries and Griquas’ home advantage even the odds.
Griquas hold the final semi qualification spot but need 6 more points and face the strong Cheetahs next. They will fight hard to avoid any regrets this weekend.
Western Province still sneaks a chance for semis but likely to exit early, similar to Sharks last season. They have two games in hand, but Griquas on home turf is a tough challenge, with Lions breathing down Province’s neck for points.
Verdict: Griquas (+4.5) 9/10
Province suffer several injuries, notably to young centre EW Jonker. While ‘Bok Juan de Jongh covers, his impact seems limited. Expect Griquas to keep it close with the +4.5 handicap.
EP Kings v Lions | Saturday 24 September | Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium | 17:00
To Win (80 Mins)
Kings 18/1 | Draw 40 | Lions N/A
Handicap
Kings (+39.5) 9/10 | Lions (-39.5) 9/10
The final weekend match pits the struggling Kings against a Lions side strengthened by the return of Malcolm Marx and Julian Redelinghuis.
No lengthy analysis needed here — if the Sharks managed 50 points against Kings in rain, expect this lively Lions squad to surpass 100 points in perfect weather.
Verdict: Lions (-39.5) 9/10
Though a hefty handicap, back the Lions to win by more than 39.5 points.
Written by Darry Worthington for @Hollywoodbets.net!
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