Lions vs Griquas
Two teams that are smarting from humbling defeats in their last match meet when the Lions welcome the Griquas to Emirates Stadium. The home team were thrashed 52-15 by the Cheetahs in their last match with a red card contributing to the defeat. The visitors ran into a rampant Bulls team who beat them 40-3. One of the most disturbing aspects of Griquas defeat was that they failed to cross the tryline in the match. Both these sides will be looking for redemption with the visitors in particular hoping to show that their run to the final last season was no fluke.
TIP: Both these sides have won two matches and lost three so far in the competition but the Lions have 13 points compared to Griquas 10 point and this is thanks to the home side picking up bonus points. The Griquas have struggled in attack yet this is their big strength and they will need the likes of Rosko Specman to regain their form sooner rather than later. The bookies have the Griquas as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.36, Gbets 1.37 and Hollywoodbets 1.37
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Lions vs Griquas
- Griquas have won three of the last four matches between the sides.
- The home team has only won one of the last five matches between the sides.
Latest results for both teams
The Lions lost 52-15 to the Cheetahs in their last match while the Griquas were beaten 40-3 by the Bulls in their last match.
PREDICTION
Both teams battled to gain any cohesion in attack last time out with even the experienced George Whitehead unable to link up the exciting Griquas backline. The Lions were understandably out on their feet in their match as they played most of the match with 14 players. The only positive for the home team was their driving maul as they managed to gain good metres against the Cheetahs. The Griquas will need to bring their dangerous runners like Specman and Luther Obi more into the match as this is their best chance of scoring. I predict a Griquas win by 10 points
Probable Starting XVs
Lions
15 Vaughen Isaacs, 14 Boldwin Hansen, 13 Matt More, 12 Tyler Bocks, 11 Ilunga Mukendi, 10 Jurich Claasens, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Ruhan Straeuli, 7 Peter-John Steenkamp, 6 Sibusiso Sangweni, 5 Darrien-Lane Landsberg, 4 Raynard Roets, 3 Ruan Smith, 2 Jaco Visagie (captain), 1 Morgan Naudé.
Griquas
15 Lubabalo Dobela, 14 Rosko Specman, 13 Jay-Cee Nel, 12 Eddie Fouche, 11 Luther Obi, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Johan Mulder, 8 Carl Els, 7 Hanru Sirgel (captain), 6 Stephan Smit, 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Derik Pretorius, 3 Cebo Dlamini, 2 Gustav du Rand, 1 Eddie Davids.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Griquas victory are as follows:
Betway 1.36
Gbets 1.37
Hollywoodbets 1.37
Odds comparison on the Griquas handicap:
The complete odds on the Griquas handicap:
Betway 1.85 (-7.5)
Gbets 1.87 (-7.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-7.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are decent returns on the Griquas outright win but if you looking for better odds then we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.85 (-7.5), Gbets 1.87 (-7.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-7.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Brumbies vs Fijian Drua
Northampton Saints vs Saracens
Bulls vs Zebre
Stormers vs Munster
Connacht vs Cardiff
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.
