Lions vs Cheetahs
Two teams come into this match with contrasting fortunes as the Lions welcome the Cheetahs to the Emirates Stadium. The home side have won their last two matches to get their campaign back on track while the Cheetahs were hammered 61-21 in their last match against the Pumas. The visitors were forced to field a largely second and third string team as their senior team was playing in the Challenge Cup in France. The defeat was still very embarrassing and the Lions can expect a backlash from the Bloemfontein men. The Lions will be delighted with the resolve shown by their team in the last two matches after losing their opening two games.
TIP: The biggest change in the Lions has been their defence as they were woeful in the opening rounds and they will need to be at their best as the Cheetahs love to run the ball from anywhere on the field. The visitors were rocked by the news that their Springbok star Frans Steyn may be out for the season with injury although they have an able replacement in Robert Ebersohn. The bookies have the Cheetah as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.17, Gbets 1.18 and Hollywoodbets 1.18
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Lions vs Cheetahs
- The Cheetahs have won the last two matches against the Lions
- The Lions have only won one of the last five matches against the Lions
Latest results for both teams
The Lions beat the Sharks 34-22 in their last match while the Cheetahs lost 61-21 to Pumas in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Cheetahs have been superb this season when they have had their full complement of players so the Lions will have their work cut out for them. The home side will look to the huge boot of Tiaan Swanepoel and Vaughen Isaacs to gain them territory but they will need to be accurate with their kicking as the Cheetahs have some of the best counter attackers in the competition. The visitors rely heavily on their driving maul therefore the Lions maul defence will need to be spot on or they could face a long day at the office. I am predicting a Cheetahs win by more than 16 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Lions
15 Tiaan Swanepoel, 14 Boldwin Hansen, 13 Stean Pienaar, 12 Tyler Bocks, 11 Ilunga Mukendi, 10 Vaughen Isaacs, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Jarod Cairns, 7 Peter-John Steenkamp, 6 Sibusiso Sangweni, 5 Darrien-Lane Landsberg, 4 Raynard Roets, 3 Ruan Smith, 2 Jaco Visagie (captain), 1 Sithembiso Sithole.
Cheetahs
15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 David Brits, 12 Robert Ebersohn, 11 Munier Hartzenberg, 10 Reinhardt Fortuin, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Rynier Bernardo, 3 Hencus van Wyk, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Alulutho Tshakweni.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Lions victory are as follows:
Betway 1.17
Gbets 1.18
Hollywoodbets 1.18
Odds comparison on the Toulouse handicap:
The complete odds on the Lions handicap:
Betway 1.90 (-14.5)
Gbets 1.90 (-14.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-14.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are decent returns on the Cheetahs outright win but if you looking for better odds then we suggest the away team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (-14.5), Gbets 1.90 (-14.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-14.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Bulls vs Griquas
Sharks vs Pumas
Crusaders vs Moana Pasifika
Western Province vs Griffons
Rebels vs Blues
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.
