Western Province vs Cheetahs
Both these teams have been struggling this season for different reasons. Western Province has lost players to the Springbok squad while the Cheetahs are in a rebuilding phase. This is a very emotional last game for WP at their traditional home, Newlands. After this match they will be moving to another stadium, so you can expect them to play their hearts out. They have made quite a few changes for this clash especially in the forwards and welcome back Ernst van Rhyn. They also have the experienced Deon Fourie at eighth man and this will no doubt help the youngsters in this team. The Cheetahs have also made a few changes for this match with Reinhardt Fortuin taking over from Brandon Thomson at flyhalf. This to me is the most significant change as the Cheetahs really struggled early in the season with Fortuin in the team. WP will certainly be targeting the flyhalf channel when they attack. A boost for the home team is the availability of Scarra Ntubeni after he had his red card from the previous match rescinded.
TIP: The Cheetahs have not won on the road this season and I expect this trend to continue. WP knows that they have to win their home matches to have any chance to progress to the semi-finals. They have two of the fastest wingers in Seabelo Senatla, and Edwill van der Merwe. Senatla has had a quiet season while van der Merwe has shown that he could possibly be a Springbok in the not too distant future. The Cheetahs as always will look to run the ball from anywhere on the field and the best counter attacking player for them is Clayton Blommetjies. WP will need their kicking game to be accurate otherwise Blommetjies will punish them. The bookies have WP as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the victory. The best odds on the WP win are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.55, Playabets 1.49 and Sunbet 1.47
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Western Province vs Cheetahs
- In the last five matches there have been three wins for the Cheetahs and two for Western Province.
- WP last lost at home to the Cheetahs in 2016.
- The last five matches between the sides have been decided by 7 points or less.
Latest results for both teams
WP lost their last game against the Bulls 34-13 while the Cheetahs lost 47-30 to the Sharks in their last match.
PREDICTION
WP and the Cheetahs have selected fairly young props for this match but the home team certainly has the stronger bench. They will look to use their driving maul to better effect in this match as it was ineffective last time out. The Cheetahs will again look to Ruan Pienaar to direct them around the park with his experience and class. The player that provides a great attacking threat for WP is their nine Paul de Wet. He is excellent with his sniping runs and pace around the park. WP kicked away too much possession in their last match and if they can hold onto the ball they will win this match. The Cheetahs will struggle in the forwards and with all local derbies this will be the deciding factor. I predict a WP win by 7 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Western Province
15 Sergeal Petersen, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Juan De Jongh, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Tim Swiel, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Deon Fourie, 7 Ernst van Rhyn (captain), 6 Nama Xaba, 5 David Meihuizen, 4 JD Schickerling, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 1 Dian Bleuler.
Cheetahs
15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Duncan Saal, 13 David Brits, 12 Siya Masuku, 11 Cohen Jasper, 10 Reinhardt Fortuin, 9 Ruan Pienaar (captain), 8 Aidon Davis, 7 Junior Pokomela, 6 Jeandré Rudolph, 5 Jean Droste, 4 Rynier Bernardo, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Aluluthu Tshakweni.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Western Province victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.55
Playabets 1.49
Sunbet 1.47
Odds comparison on the Western Province handicap victory:
The complete odds on the Griquas handicap victory:
Worldsportsbetting (-4.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-5.5) 1.92
Playabets (-4.5) 1.80
Predictions and Odds in details
The WP management have obviously taken notice of their poor showing in the second half of matches and have selected some of the regular starters on the bench and I think this could prove to be an inspired selection. The form of Tim Swiel is crucial to the Cape side as he is the link between the forwards and the backs. He has good game management but needs to find a way to ignite the dangerous Province backline. He is not the only one responsibly for the attack and many fans will look to the Captain Juan De Jongh to lead from the front. This is a perfect opportunity for the captain to put in a performance that will help his team to victory. The returns on the WP outright victory is not great therefore I suggest the value bet of WP on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-4.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-5.5) 1.92 and Playabets (-4.5) 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.
