by SuperSportBet
The Wallabies will be hard pressed to level the series against the British & Irish Lions in Melbourne this weekend, while the focus shifts to the Currie Cup in South Africa.
Most of the July international series have come to and end, with the exception of the marquee event Down Under.
The Lions thumped the Wallabies 27-19 in Brisbane last Saturday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. If Andy Farrell’s side prevails in Melbourne this Saturday, the Lions will win a Test series outright for the first time since 2013.
While the Springboks push forward with their Rugby Championship preparations, many of South Africa’s leading players will turn their attention to the Currie Cup, which kicks off this weekend.
The opening fixture of the Currie Cup will serve as a replay of the recent SA Cup final. The Pumas beat Griquas 39-17 on that occasion, and will be 1.12 favourites to prevail in another battle staged at the Mbombela Stadium. That said, the 16.5 handicap for Griquas (1.85) is worth exploring.
The Wallabies have welcomed back some heavy-hitters in Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, and will need to produce an improved forward showing to have any chance of winning this clash. The momentum is with the Lions, however, and they should win – although the margin will be a point of debate. The wet weather in Melbourne may prescribe a more pragmatic approach and lead to a tighter contest. Bet on a Lions win by 6-10 points (4.33).
When these two teams met in the 2024 Currie Cup final in Johannesburg, the Lions had the upper hand until Jordan Hendrikse slotted a title-winning penalty for the Sharks in the dying moments. Much has changed over the ensuing months, with the Sharks losing the next United Rugby Championship encounter at Emirates Airline Park. They head up to Johannesburg this weekend with a young side, and may struggle to stop the Lions from beginning their campaign with a win.
This north-south derby is important to both teams, albeit for very different reasons. WP will be desperate to start their domestic campaign with a victory, following a disappointing showing in both the Champions Cup and URC. Meanwhile, the Bulls will want to start the new era under incoming coach Johan Ackermann on a positive note. It’s going to be a close finish, and while WP start at favourites, brave bettors may back the Bulls to win (2.40) or finish within the 4.5 handicap (1.85)
Boland qualified for the Currie Cup First Division after finishing fourth in the recent SA Cup tournament, and will want to prove they belong with a win over the Cheetahs in the first round. On the other hand, the Cheetahs will be desperate to bank as many log points as possible against the newcomers, knowing that every point will be crucial in what’s expected to be a close playoff race. With this in mind, it’s hard to see the Kavailiers finishing within the 11.5 handicap (1.85).
Don’t miss your chance to back the Lions or support your local Currie Cup heroes. Place your bets now at SuperSportBet!
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