Pumas vs Griquas
The Pumas welcome the Griquas to the Mbombela Stadium for this crucial match in the Carling Currie Cup. The home team are in fourth place with 27 points while the visitors are in third place with 31 points. These teams are being hotly pursued by the fifth placed Sharks who are on 26 points. The equation is simple for the Pumas, a win will guarantee them a spot in the semi-finals. They will go to 31 points with a win and the Sharks if they win with a bonus point can only get to 31 points as well but the Pumas will advance as they have the far superior points difference.
TIP: The Pumas have had good recent form as they have won four of their last six matches. They will be looking for revenge as they were soundly beaten 41-20 by the Griquas in the reverse fixture. The Griquas are the best placed of the three teams fighting it out for the two semi-final places. The bookies have the Pumas as favourites and I am also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.45, Playabets 1.48 and Sunbet 1.44
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Pumas vs Griquas
- In the last five matches between the sides there have been two wins apiece and a draw.
- The Pumas have won four of their last five home matches against the Griquas.
Latest results for both teams
Western Province lost their last match 43-41 against the Griquas while the Sharks lost 38-32 in their last match.
PREDICTION
If they win then they are assured of finishing in third place. It becomes interesting for them in that they can even lose and still secure a top four finish provided that they lose by less than seven points or score four or more tries. They need just a single bonus point to go to 32 points which will be out of reach for the fifth placed Sharks. They also have a far superior points difference to the Sharks and even a loss will mean that the Durban side will need to win by 50 points which is highly unlikely. We are backing the Pumas to win by 10 points
Probable Starting XVs
Pumas
15 Devon Williams, 14 Tapiwa Mafura, 13 Sebastian de Klerk, 12 Eddie Fouche, 11 Jade Stinghling, 10 Tinus de Beer, 9 Chriswill September, 8 Willie Engelbrecht (captain), 7 Phumzile Maqondwana, 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Shane Kirkwood, 4 Deon Slabbert, 3 Ignatius Prinsloo, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Corne Fourie
Griquas
15 Ashlon Davids, 14 Munier Hartzenberg, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Rynhardt Jonker, 11 Luther Obi, 10 Alex-Zander Du Plessis, 9 Johan Mulder, 8 Sibabalo Qoma, 7 Hanru Sirgel, 6 Niel Otto (captain), 5 Derik Pretorius, 4 Johan Retief, 3 Janu Botha, 2 Simon Westraadt,, 1 Kudzwai Dube
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Pumas victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.45
Playabets 1.48
Sunbet 1.44
Odds comparison on the Pumas handicap:
The complete odds on the Pumas handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-5.5) 1.91
Sunbet (-5.5) 1.89
Playabets (-5.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
This match is like a quarter final for these teams but in this instance both teams can advance to the semi-finals. A bonus point win for the Pumas and a losing bonus point for the Griquas will mean they will both go through to the semis. A Pumas loss and a Sharks win will see the Sharks through and the Pumas out. We are backing the Pumas to win this match because of their home ground advantage. The Pumas on the outright win offer poor odds therefore I suggest the home side on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-5.5) 1.91, Sunbet (-5.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-5.5) 1.81
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.
