Currie Cup Final Odds- Western Province vs Natal Sharks 2018 (WP Sharks)

The Currie Cup draws to a conclusion this weekend, with Western Province hosting the Sharks at Newlands in the final on Saturday afternoon. Province went through the round robin undefeated, but were a tad lucky to edge the plucky Blue Bulls in their home semifinal. They however had to play 100 minutes against Pote Human’s side, and those extra 20 minutes of rugby may count against some of their players in the latter stages of this final. The Sharks were in control for most of their semifinal against the Lions, but managed to overcome a second half comeback from the men from Transvaal.

Province beat the Sharks in Round-Robin, but Currie Cup finals between these two sides in recent years have shown an unusual trend- the visitor tends to the victor. However the bookies clearly seem to favour Province, whose coach John Dobson has chosen to play Damian Willemse at inside centre. This is therefor a WP squad with Josh Stander at 10, Willemse at 12, goal kicker SP Marais on the wing, and Dillyn Leyds at 15. Somewhat surprisingly, there is no place for Juarno Augustus in the Match Day 23. However Trokkie’s fellow JWC 2017 stars– the likes of Bosch, Van Rhyn, Willemse and Moerat, will all feature in this final. Continue reading “Currie Cup Final Odds- Western Province vs Natal Sharks 2018 (WP Sharks)”

Currie Cup Semifinal Odds 2018-Sharks v Golden Lions and Western Province v Blue Bulls

We’re down to the business end of the Currie Cup and as usual, it’s the big four unions- the ones who are South Africa’s Super Rugby representatives, who will square off in the semifinals.

Natal Cell C Sharks v Golden Lions (SF 1)

Sharks- 7/15, Golden Lions 15/18

The Sharks have home advantage for this, and coach Robert du Preez has chosen to restore his son Rob jnr to flyhalf after playing him at inside centre in the previous game. That means a return to full back for Curwin Bosch, who played at 10 against Griquas. Scrumhalf Louis Schreuder will captain the team.

Golden Lions

The Lions have some of their key Super Rugby personnel back, with the likes of Aphiwe Dyantyi, Warren Whiteley and Elton Jantjies all starting at Kings Park this weekend. Like the Sharks, they have a scrummie as skipper in Nic Groom (despite the availability of regular SR leader Whiteley for this clash)

Western Province vs Blue Bulls SF 2

WP- 1/10, Bulls at 41/4

As convincing odds in favour of Western Province that you’d see, and this is a semifinal. Province romped through the group stages, beating everyone in the competition, and got the better of the Bulls at Loftus in a rain affected encounter last week.

Rugby Championship Round 6 Odds- South Africa vs New Zealand & Argentina v Australia

Can South Africa beat the All Blacks for the second time in a row? They upset them in Wellington three weeks ago, and victory at Loftus Versfeld would make this a very successful campaign for Rassie Erasmus’ men. By comparison, despite winning the tournament, a loss here would feel like a very poor RC for Steve Hansen’s side.

Odds on South Africa beating the All Blacks at Loftus 2018: 19/5
Odds on All Blacks beat Springboks at Loftus 2018: 3/10

Argentina can condemn Australia to last place in the Rugby Championship if they win at home. The Pumas beat the Wallabies on the Gold Coast, and another loss might see the powers that be at the A R U move to sack Michael Cheika before the November tour.

Argentina are being quoted at 16/19, while the Wallabies are at 6/5.