Cheetahs vs Pumas
Cheetahs play host to the Pumas in the second semi-final of the Carling Currie Cup. The home team recorded an excellent 35-5 win over the Bulls in their last match which allowed them to claim the top spot on the league table thus giving them a home semi and possibly a home final. The Cheetahs will be delighted with the win in their last match as had lost their previous two matches. This victory has re-ignited the form they showed earlier in the season and more importantly for the Free State side it showed they can win without the services of Frans Steyn.
TIP: The Cheetahs only lost one home match in the league stage but that one defeat did come against their opponents in this match when they lost 29-28.The Pumas have been the surprise package in this year’s Currie Cup as they have finished above the more fancied teams like the Sharks and Western Province. The bookies have the Bulls as favourites and I am also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.22, Playabets 1.22 and Sunbet 1.25
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Cheetahs vs Pumas
- The Cheetahs have won three of their last five matches against the Pumas.
- The home team have lost three of the last four matches between the sides.
- The Pumas won the last match between the teams 29-28.
Latest results for both teams
The Cheetahs won their last match 35-5 against the Bulls while the Pumas lost 45-44 against the Griquas.
PREDICTION
They were very unlucky to lose their last match 45-44 against the Griquas due to a controversial refereeing decision. The Pumas don’t have the best recent record having lost three of their last four matches. They will be looking to replicate the form they showed when they beat the Cheetahs in the league stage. One of the things in their favour is the fact that they have won more games away from home than at home. The Pumas have actually accrued the second most points on their travels in the competition. I am predicting the Cheetahs to win by more than 10 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Cheetahs
15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 David Brits, 12 Chris Smit, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Siyabonga Masuku, 9 Ruan Pienaar (captain), 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Aidon Davis, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Rynier Bernardo, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen, 1 Cameron Dawson.
Pumas
15 Devon Williams, 14 Tapiwa Mafura, 13 Sebastian de Klerk, 12 Eddie Fouche, 11 Jade Stighling, 10 Tinus de Beer, 9 Chriswill September, 8 Andre Fouche, 7 Willie Engelbrecht (captain), 6 Daniel Maartens, 5 Shane Kirkwood, 4 Deon Slabbert, 3 Ignatius Prinsloo, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Corne Fourie.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Cheetahs victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.22
Playabets 1.22
Sunbet 1.25
Odds comparison on the Cheetahs handicap:
The complete odds on the Cheetahs handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-10.5) 1.91
Sunbet (-10.5) 1.89
Playabets (-10.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
The Cheetahs have been the most consistent team in the competition even though they had a period where they lost two successive matches during the league phase. They will be looking for revenge against a Pumas team that won on their last visit to Bloemfontein. The Pumas will start as underdogs but if they can start well then they could possibly cause an upset. We are backing the Cheetahs to win due to their better all-round quality. The Bulls on the outright win offer poor odds therefore I suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-10.5) 1.91, Sunbet (-10.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-10.5) 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.
