Griquas vs Lions
The Griquas are having their best season ever as they sit top of the log albeit having played an extra game. They showed against the Lions last week that although they don’t have the big name stars, they are playing as a team and right now they are on fire. The player that is the general in this team has got to be George Whitehead as he controls everything about the team. His kicking from hand is great and also his goal kicking is the best in the competition therefore he leads the point scorers in this year’s Currie Cup. The Lions on the other hand will be wandering how they lost their last match against the Pumas having had a convincing half time lead. Their biggest problem is the lack of direction of the team as Jordan Hendrikse struggles to find his feet at this level. The form of Fred Zeilinga is also very poor and this has seen the Lions struggle to ignite their backline.
TIP: The Griquas usually struggle against the bigger unions especially in the forwards but they put in one of the best performances against the Sharks. They dominated the Durban side in the scrums and they scored three tries from their unstoppable driving maul. Players like Captain Ruan Steenkamp and Stefan Ungerer are well travelled and showed their experience this season as they have helped revitalise this Griquas team. The Griquas are always difficult to beat in Kimberly and the bookies have made them favourites for this clash. I agree with the bookies and am tipping the home side for the victory. The best odds on the Griquas victory are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.50, Playabets 1.47 and Sunbet 1.48
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Griquas vs Lions
- The Lions have won four of the last five matches against Griquas.
- The Griquas have lost their last three home matches against the Lions.
- The last time the Griquas beat the Lions in Kimberly was in 2015.
Latest results for both teams
The Griquas beat the Sharks 37-27 in their last match while the Lions lost 36-33 to the Pumas.
PREDICTION
The emergence of Griquas in the Currie Cup has got a lot to do about their young players that are coming through their ranks. The stand out young player is definitely Eduan Keyter who has been brilliant on the wing. His form has been so good that the Sharks have already signed him for next season. He is great in the air and has a great turn of pace. The Lions will need to keep a close eye on him. The Griquas are playing with confidence and there is excellent interplay between backs and forwards while the Lions attack looks in disarray. This is the reason I’m predicting a Griquas victory by 7 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Griquas
15 Ashlon Davids, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 Jay-Cee Nel, 12 Johnathan Francke, 11 Eduan Keyter, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Ruan Steenkamp (captain), 7 Sibabalo Qoma, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Stefan Willemse, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Janu Botha, 2 Janco Uys, 1 Mox Mxoli.
Lions
15 Wandisile Simelane, 14 Sibahle Maxwane, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Dan Kriel, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Francke Horn (captain), 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Sibusiso Sangweni, 5 Floris Pelser, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Pieter Botha, 1 Ruan Dreyer.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Griquas victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.50
Playabets 1.47
Sunbet 1.48
Odds comparison on the Griquas handicap victory:
The complete odds on the Griquas handicap victory:
Worldsportsbetting (-5.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-5.5) 1.92
Playabets (-4.5) 1.80
Predictions and Odds in details
It is strange how the times have changed as in the past you would expect the Lions to be top of the table with Griquas struggling at the bottom. This season the men from Kimberly have found the right balance between experience and the exuberance of youth. The excellent interplay between the backs and forwards has been a joy to watch for the neutral fan. They showed great resilience against the Sharks as they had five yellow cards against them. Their team spirit will again carry them to victory against the Lions. There are decent odds on the Griquas win but I suggest the home team on the handicap as a value bet. The best odds on this are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-5.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-5.5) 1.92 and Playabets (-4.5) 1.80
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.
