Griquas vs Western Province
Griquas will be livid with themselves as they let a 13 point lead slip away in their last match against the Cheetahs. They are still in with a chance of making the semi-final but need to win this match. They are on fourth place on the log and their opponents Western Province are in third spot. Province is full of confidence having thrashed the Lions in their last match. WP welcome back Springbok Juan De Jongh in the midfield. His partnership with Ruhan Nel could prove to be vital for Province as they face a strong Griquas midfield combo of Chris Hollis and Johnathan Francke. Both these players are very physical and are strong ball carriers. The Griquas team will as usual look to George Whitehead to direct them around the field. He will be looking for a big game as he a a rare off day against the Cheetahs where his defending was weak
TIP: The fact that Griquas are in fourth position will provide extra motivation as a victory in this match will almost certainly secure a semi-final spot. WP also knows that victory for them takes them through as well. The Griquas pack will look to bounce back after being dominated by the Cheetahs in the last game. WP will be missing Springbok hooker Scarra Ntubeni as he is injured while Griquas have a full strength forwards pack. Every game that Griquas are involved in the most dangerous player for them is Eduan Keyter and he will be a marked man. His duel with WP flyer Edwill van der Merwe could be the highlight of the match. They have been the form wingers in the Currie Cup this year. The bookies have WP as favourites but I’m going for an upset Griquas win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 3.00, Playabets 2.60 and Sunbet 2.60
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Griquas vs Western Province
- In the last five matches between the sides there have been three wins for Griquas and two for WP.
- Griquas have won their last two home games against WP.
- The last time WP won in Kimberly was in 2016.
Latest results for both teams
Griquas lost their last match against the Cheetahs 33-32 while WP beat the Lions 35-13 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Griquas are always difficult to beat in Kimberly and WP has a huge task at hand. Their job is made harder by the loss of Ntubeni and the resting of Evan Roos. This guy has been the standout forward and resting him for this crucial game will backfire on the Province team. They still look like they have the edge in the forwards but the Griquas will once again be looking at their fantastic loose trio of Ruan Steenkamp ,Hanru Sirgel and Gideon van der Merwe. This is arguably the best loose trio in the competition as all these men are great with ball in hand and always get the Griquas over the advantage line. WP seems to have more control in their recent games and that is due to Tim Swiel at 10. His experience allows him to be that calming influence on the team along with his accurate goal kicking. The desperation of the Griquas makes me to predict a home win by 4 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Griquas
15 Ashlon Davids, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Chris Hollis, 12 Johnathan Francke, 11 James Verity-Amm, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Ruan Steenkamp (captain), 7 Hanru Sirgel, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Stefan Willemse, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Erich de Jager, 2 Alandré van Rooyen, 1 Nqobisizwe Mxoli.
Western Province
15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Juan de Jongh, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Tim Swiel, 9 Godlen Masimla, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Johan du Toit, 6 Nama Xaba, 5 David Meihuizen, 4 Ernst van Rhyn (captain), 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 1 Kwenzo Blose
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Griquas victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 3.00
Playabets 2.60
Sunbet 2.60
Odds comparison on the Griquas handicap :
The complete odds on the Griquas handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+4.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+5.5) 1.87
Playabets (+4.5) 1.89
Predictions and Odds in details
Western Province have selected quiet an inexperienced front row for this match and Griquas will certainly look to exploit that. Griquas have been guilty this season of losing a few tight games because of their replacements. This week they should look at maybe keeping a few regular starters on the bench so they can provide the impetus in the last 20 minutes. The forwards battle usually decides who wins the match but I don’t feel that will be the situation in this game. WP seems to have a slight edge in the forwards but Griquas have the better attacking threats in the backline. The home team are not afraid to run from the back and therefore I fancy them on the upset win. There is great return for punters on the Griquas upset win but if you looking for a safety bet then I suggest the Griquas on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+4.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+5.5) 1.87 and Playabets (+4.5) 1.89
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.
