Western Province vs Lions
WP will be out for revenge after they were thumped 37-19 the last time these sides met. Teams are playing in both the Currie Cup and the URC so balancing team selection has become a major challenge for them. WP have selected a fairly strong team while the Lions have selected mainly U23 players for this clash. This bold selection could backfire badly for the men from Joburg. Province will be led our by Nama Xaba and he will be looking for his first win as captain. Asenathi Ntlabakanye captains a very youthful Lions team.
TIP: Most of the WP team have played rugby in the URC so they have that experience while the Lions team are very young and inexperienced. Emmanuel Tshituka has a big task on his hands as he is one of the most experienced Lions in this team and he will need to use his experience to assist his new teammates. WP will look to attack the Lions at set piece where they will have the obvious advantage. The bookies have WP as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.48, Playabets 1.43 and Sunbet 1.46
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Western Province vs Lions
- The Lions have won three of the last five matches against WP.
- WP have only lost one of their last nine home matches against the Lions.
- The Lions beat WP 37-19 the last time the sides met..
Latest results for both teams
WP beat Cheetahs 31-30 in their last match while the Lions beat the Stormers 37-19 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The WP teams are renowned for having strong forward packs and that is true in this match. Number 8 Hacjivah Dayimani will be looking to get one over his former teammates and show it was a mistake when they let him go. The strength of the WP team is their potent backline. They have pace throughout the backs and Sevens star Angelo Davids will be keen to impress in the 15 man game. WP have the experienced Tim Swiel and his game management will be crucial from the number 10 position. I expect WP to romp to victory by 15 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Western Province
15 Tristan Leyds, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Leolin Zas, 12 Cornel Smit, 11 Paschal Ekeji, 10 Tim Swiel, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Simon Miller, 6 Nama Xaba (captain), 5 Adre Smith, 4 Connor Evans, 3 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 2 Chad Solomon, 1 Kwenzo Blose
Lions
15 Quan Horn, 14 Boldwin Hansen, 13 James Mollentze, 12 Aidynn Cupido, 11 Zeilinga Strydom, 10 Vaughen Isaacs, 9 Jurich Claasens, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Jarod Cairns, 6 Mark Snyman, 5 Simon Dionisio, 4 PJ Steenkamp, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye (captain), 2 Dameon Venter, 1 Banele Mthenjane
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Western Province victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.48
Playabets 1.43
Sunbet 1.46
Odds comparison on the Western Province handicap :
The complete odds on the Western Province handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-5.5) 1.91
Sunbet (-5.5) 1.87
Playabets (-5.5) 1.84
Predictions and Odds in details
The Lions will have to play the way they know best which is to attack from all parts of the field. It remains to be seen if there will be cohesion in a team with so many new faces. They will want to avoid set pieces which is an obvious advantage to WP. The home team will use their rolling maul as this is their biggest strength. The bookies are offering poor returns on the WP outright win therefore I suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-5.5) 1.91, Sunbet (-5.5) 1.87 and Playabets (-5.5) 1.84
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.
