There is a lot of rugby this weekend, both internationally and locally. With this mind, our rugby punter has picked out five matches to bet on this weekend. The matches span from the Currie Cup, the Tri-Nations and the Autumn Nations Cup.
Currie Cup: Pumas v Griquas
Friday 04 December – 19:00
The Pumas return to Mbombela Stadium after suffering a disappointing 45-10 defeat against the Sharks in Round 1 of the Currie Cup. The Pumas will play four of their five remaining matches on home turf and will be looking to build a fortress in Nelspruit. Injuries and COVID complications have tested the Pumas squad depth this season.
The Griquas enter Round 2 after sliding to a narrow three point loss in a lightening affected fixture against the Lions in Kimberley. It was an impressive display from the Griquas as they raced out to a 17-3 lead only for an early second half penalty try to scupper their chances as the fixture was called off. The Griquas are yet to win this season and will be targeting this fixture to kickstart their campaign. Look out for promising ex-Kings loose forward CJ Velleman as he makes his first start for the Peacock Blues.
Fixtures between these two sides are historically close with the margin of victory rarely more than a single score outcome. After the Griquas were overturned by the Pumas on their home patch earlier this season, I expect them to be out for revenge this weekend. The Pumas are too unsettled currently.
Tri-Nations: Australia v Argentina
Saturday 05 December – 10:35
Australia enter the final round of the Tri-Nations in second place during the regular season. The Wallabies welcome back regular playmaker, James O’Connor to the number 10 jersey as they look to offset their disappointment in the 15-15 stalemate against Argentina in their last fixture. Looking at the statistics, Australia have won 13 out of their last 15 fixtures against Argentina at home.
Argentina enter this fixture without captain Pablo Matera after controversial tweets emerged in the week. It’s a disappointing end to what has been a brave tour from the South Americans after claiming rare points against the Trans-Tasman opposition. Argentina have shown staunch defence in the competition so far with their three games combining for an average of 36 points.
After the news emerged that Pumas trio Pablo Matera, Guido Petti and Santiago Socino have stood down for the final fixture, the handicap raced out from 8.5 opening to 13.5 underdogs. The Pumas are a proud outfit and will leave nothing left on the field when they face the Wallabies this weekend. Australia have had a solid start under Dave Rennie but have struggled against big handicaps. I’ll be backing the Pumas to see cover the spread this weekend.
Currie Cup: Bulls v Free State Cheetahs
Saturday 05 December – 16:30
The Bulls head home to Loftus after snatching an unlikely 22-20 victory over Western Province thanks to the heroics of flyhalf Chris Smith. After Jacques Van Rooyen was sent off for a high tackle, it took efficient game management to secure their first win at Newlands in 11 years.
The Cheetahs were on a bye last week and they will have their work cut out for them if they wish to defend the Currie Cup title that they won last year. With the Super Rugby Unlocked points carrying over to the Currie Cup, they enter the tournament in fourthand 10 points behind log-leaders the Bulls.
The betting suggests that the Bulls should have enough to overcome the Cheetahs at Loftus this weekend. The Cheetahs form has tailed since Ruan Pienaar’s knee injury, however, he is expected back in the next 2 weeks. The Cheetahs were able to scrape home against the Bulls the last time these sides locked horns in Super Rugby Unlocked and I expect them to keep it close this weekend. More than happy to take the +8.5 spread on offer.
Autumn Cup: Ireland v Scotland
Saturday 05 December – 16:15
The final weekend of the Autumn Nations Cup sees Ireland and Scotland contesting the 3rd/4th playoff at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Scotland have been in good form with their solitary loss occurring against the high flying French in Round 3. Gregor Townsend has managed to turn around Scotland’s away blues having won their last three away games in a row, a run that they have not enjoyed since 1925.
Ireland continue their uncompromising style of play with their only defeat in the tournament coming against log-leaders England at Twickenham. Ireland have been promising against the spread having covered two out of the three handicaps in the competition.
Ireland and Scotland are the only two sides yet to miss a kick at goal this competition and I expect a closely fought encounter. Scotland have had great discipline in going 12 fixtures without receiving a yellow card. With no crowds at the Aviva stadium, Scotland will be looking to sneak a rare win. Scotland are a team on the up and this handicap looks too big.
Currie Cup: Lions v Western Province
Saturday 05 December – 19:00
The Lions managed to claim their second victory of the campaign as they limped to a narrow three point victory before lighting intervened. The Lions have been strong against the spread this season having gone 4-0 and yet to not cover (excluding the Griquas fixture).
Western Province will be left ruing their chances after imploding to a defeat against the 14-man Bulls on their home turf. It’s been an indifferent season from John Dobson’s men as inconsistencies have plighted their performances. WP traditionally struggle on the highveld, however, forecasts suggest there could be a chance of showers which will suit the tighter game of the coastal side.
The Lions have been given a narrow three point headstart this weekend as they set out to overturn WP this weekend. The betting seems well placed this weekend but I’ll be looking to the WP pack to assert set-piece dominance and claim a much needed victory this weekend.
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