We are into Round 2 of Super Rugby Unlocked and the Stormers are in action for the first time. The weekend kicks off on Friday with a super clash between the Cheetahs and Bulls in Bloemfontein.
The weekend ends is another mouthwatering class when the Stormers face a wounded Lions outfit at Newlands. Below, we provide predictions and betting tips for Super Rugby Unlocked Round 2.
Cheetahs v Bulls (Friday – 19:00)
The Cheetahs kicked off their campaign with a resounding 53-31 victory at home to the Pumas. The Bloemfontein outfit will be somewhat disappointed as they let their foot off the pedal. This after racing out to a 41-3 lead at halftime. The Bulls started as heavy 24 point favourites in their opening match against the Griquas at Loftus. It was an underwhelming display from Jake White’s team. They only took the lead in the 60th minute to run out eventual 30-23 winners.
As the tournament favourites, the Bulls will want a huge reaction, especially against a well-drilled Cheetahs side. History favours the visitors, they’ve beaten the Cheetahs in five of their last seven matches. The Cheetahs have a point to prove to SA Rugby after their Pro14 axing. So expect a resolute display from the home side against a pragmatic Bulls side. This is also their last home fixture until the last round so we see the Cheetahs edging it in a thriller.
TBC
Griquas v Pumas (Saturday – 16:30)
The Griquas are domestic tournaments perennial underdogs or dark horses. Luckily, they’ve managed but have managed to retain the core of their 2019 squad that did so well. The player to watch is the highly rated 2018 Junior Springbok, Zak Burger, you won’t miss his superb mullet. The spirit will be high in the Griquas camp. This after leaving Loftus with a losing bonus point last week, 30-23 was the score.
The Pumas were overrun in the early stages of their opening fixture conceding a whopping six tries in the opening half. They managed to claw their way back in the second 40 and ultimately cover the 22.5 spread that was on offer. After losing their captain Ryan Nell to a season ending injury, there are question marks over the Pumas squad depth. Coach Jimmy Stonehouse is no stranger to the importance of this fixture. The Pumas have been handed a generous 10 point head and I’ll be siding with the Nelspruit team to keep it tight in Kimberley.
Value Bet: TBC
Stormers v Lions (Saturday – 19:00)
The home side kicks off their campaign against the foes they met in the Super Fan Saturday three weeks prior. In that encounter, the Stormers emerged as 34-21 victors beating the handicap of six points. The Stormers will still be without the services of reigning World Rugby Player of the Year, Pieter Steph du Toit. He continues his rehabilitation from his near career ending acute compartment syndrome.
The Lions enter Round 2 after going down by three points to the Sharks in Durban. They will be ruing their chances after opting against a match levelling three points in the latter stages of the game. The Lions recent record at Newlands is promising having won two of their last three head to heads. The loss was also only settled by two points. We believe that match practice will count in the Johannesburg side’s favour as they seek to get their first victory of the season. Elton Jantjies will also have a point to prove after the recent backing from Rassie Erasmus.
Value Bet: TBC
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