Pumas vs Griquas
The so called smaller unions clash in this match. This season we have seen a marked improvement from these teams as they have scored greats wins against the Cheetahs and Lions respectively. The Pumas were actually unlucky to lose against the Bulls in their last match as they came within a try of causing a major upset. The Pumas look well drilled and their scrum has been excellent. The Griquas were also very impressive against the Cheetahs and convincingly won the match 31-10. The Pumas will have to be favourites in this match as they are very difficult to beat on their home ground. The home side have recruited very well in the close season and they are strong as always in the forwards but it is their backline play that has improved in leaps and bounds, Players like Devon Williams and Etienne Taljaard have been superb with their exceptional speed and I think Taljaard would be head hunted by one of the bigger unions as he is that good. The player that directs this team is Eddie Fouché and his decision making this season has been flawless always choosing the right time to kick or run. Griquas will need their front row to at least gain parity in this match otherwise we could see a blowout victory for the Pumas. The away side also have a top player at flyhalf in George whitehead and his duel with his opposite number Fouche could go a long way to deciding this match. Both teams have very good halfback combinations and this match up could be a highlight of the match.
TIP: The Pumas seem to have a nice blend of youth and experience in their side. The player that Is defying his age and having a blinder of a season is Simon Westraadt. He is everywhere on the field and been particularly impressive in the scrums and rolling mauls. The Griquas have one of the form players in the competition in their wing Eduan Keyter. He has been electric with not only his speed but possesses an incredible side step as well. The battle between him and Taljaard will be mouth-watering. As with all the local derbies the battle between the forwards are ferocious and the pack that can dominate will win this match. The bookies have the Pumas as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the victory. The best odds on the Pumas victory are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.35, Playabets 1.26 and Sunbet 1.34
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Pumas vs Griquas
- In the last five encounters between these sides there have been three wins for Griquas and two for the Pumas.
- In the last five home matches against the Griquas the Pumas have only lost once.
- The last time Griquas beat the Pumas at home was in 2019.
Latest results for both teams
The Pumas lost their last match against the Bulls 32-27 while the Griquas beat the Cheetahs 31-10 in their last match.
PREDICTION
Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse certainly knows to get the best out of his players and he has transformed players like Willie Engelbrecht and Francois Kleinhans into match winners. These guys were surplus to requirements at the bigger unions but now are playing brilliant rugby. The Pumas possess an excellent driving maul and Griquas will need to be disciplined especially in their own half. Fouche has shown he is well capable of kicking penalty goals from his own half. This game sees both sides have accurate goal kickers so discipline must be at a premium. The Pumas seem to be the better balanced team therefore I predict a home win by more than 10 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Pumas
15 Devon Williams, 14 Tapiwa Mafura, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Matt Moore, 11 Etienne Taljaard, 10 Eddie Fouché, 9 Chriswil September, 8 Willie Engelbrecht, 7 Phumzile Maqondwana, 6 Francois Kleinhans, 5 Pieter Jansen van Vuren (captain), 4 Darrien Landsberg, 3 Marné Coetzee, 2 Simon Westraadt, 1 Dewald Maritz.
Griquas
15 Masixole Banda, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 Jay-Cee Nel, 12 Andre Swarts, 11 Eduan Keyter, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Stefan Ungerer (captain), 8 Hanru Sirgel, 7 Sibabalo Qoma, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Cameron Lindsay, 4 Jeandre Leonard, 3 Ewald van der Westhuizen, 2 Janco Uys, 1 Andrew Beerwinkel.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Pumas victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.35
Playabets 1.26
Sunbet 1.34
Odds comparison on the Pumas handicap:
The complete odds on the Sharks handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-8.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-8.5) 1.92
Playabets (-8.5) 1.80
Predictions and Odds in details
I think this could be the season that we finally see the Pumas make the playoffs in the Currie Cup because they look very well organised in defence but more impressive has been their smooth attacking moves. The Griquas will need to be miserly in defence as the Pumas will test them with the attacking threats. As I said before the forwards will decide this match and the Pumas have the advantage in this area especially at scrum time. Pumas props Andrew Beerwinkel and Ewald van der Westhuizen have certainly come of age and they dominated the much vaunted Bulls scrum so we can expect the Griquas front row to struggle. The bookies are not offering great returns on the Pumas outright victory therefore I suggest taking the home team on the handicap. The best odds on the Pumas handicap victory are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-8.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-8.5) 1.92 and Playabets (-8.5) 1.80
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
