Lions vs Cheetahs
The Lions welcome the Cheetahs to Emirates Park for the first of the Currie Cup semifinal matches. The home team have been nothing short of sensational during the competition with just one loss coming against the Sharks. The defending champions on the other hand have had an up and down campaign and almost missed out on the playoffs. They needed to win their last league match against the Pumas to sneak into the top four and they managed to do that in some style as they thrashed the Nelspruit side 41-14. It was their best performance of the season and they could be peaking at the right time.
TIP: The Cheetahs face an interesting selection at scrumhalf after youngster Jeandre Nel had an absolute blinder in his first senior start replacing the injured Rewan Kruger. It is unclear if Kruger would get back in the team even if he is fit. The Lions are spoilt for choice in their selections as they have their URC players back as well as the host of impressive young players. Captain Marius Louw will do well to allow the continuity to flow in this match without too much interference. The bookies have the Lions as favorites and I am also backing them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.18, SoccerShop 1.18 and Bettabets 1.18
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Lions vs Cheetahs
- The Cheetahs have won three of the last five matches between the sides.
- The Lions have won the last two matches against the Cheetahs.
Latest results for both teams
The Lions beat the Griffons 62-5 in their last match while the Cheetahs beat the Pumas 41-14 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The undoubted find for the Lions this season is tearaway flanker Renzo Du Plessis. He has been explosive and has the pace of a backline player and is currently the leading try scorer in the competition. The sad reality is that he may have to start on the bench as the URC players return. The Cheetahs will need to reproduce the form of the last match if they are to trouble the table topping Lions. The home side will be looking to the likes of Louw and Sanele Nohamba to ignite their potent backline that includes the likes of Rabz Maxwane and Tapiwa Mafura. The latter is going for his third Currie Cup title in 3 years with 3 different teams. I am predicting a Lions win by more than 15 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Lions
15 Quan Horn, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Marius Louw (captain), 11 Tapiwa Mafura, 10 Sanele Nohamba, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 JPJ Botha, 1 Morgan Naudé.
Cheetahs
15 Michael Annies, 14 Munier Hartzenberg, 13 Evardi Boshoff, 12 Ali Mgijima, 11 Daniel Kasende, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Jeandre Nel, 8 Jeandrè Rudolph, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Robert Hunt, 2 Corne Fourie, 1 Schalk Ferreira
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Lions victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 1.18
SoccerShop 1.18
Bettabets 1.18
Odds comparison on the Lions handicap:
The complete odds on the Lions handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (-11.5)
Soccershop 1.87 (-11.5)
Bettabets 1.89 (-11.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Lions outright win therefore we suggest the home team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.90 (-11.5),Betway 1.87 (-11.5) and Bettabets 1.89 (-11.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Southland vs Canterbury
Tasman vs Wellington
Waikato vs Hawkes Bay
Lions vs Cheetahs
North Harbour vs Manawatu
Counties Manukau vs Otago
For more daily predictions join our Telegram channel https://t.me/+1qcZnUtqP5djMjg8
We recommend registering with Tic Tac Bets, and you will receive a 100% first deposit match of up to 2000 ZAR.
How to Register
- Log onto the Tic Tac Bets site at www.TicTacBets.co.za
- Click on the Green “Join Now” Button at the top right of the page
- You need to complete the registration form that requires importance personal information and you mobile number
- An OTP code will be sent to your mobile, please enter this code and accept the terms and conditions.
- Click on the “Submit’ Button” to complete the registration process
- Once you finish registering, contact Tic Tac Bets to activate your sign up bonus.
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.
