Super Rugby Unlocked Predictions and Tips – Round 5

We are into Round 5 of Super Rugby Unlocked and the Cheetahs are back in action after a Covid-19 enforced break. They face the Sharks on Friday in what is an intriguing clash to kick off the weekend’s action.

On Saturday the Stormers will back themselves to get a win in Kimberley against the Griquas. In the final match, we see the Jukskei derby as the Bulls travel to Johannesburg to face the Lions.

Super Rugby Unlocked Team of the Week – Round 4

Below, we provide yet more tips and predictions for Super Rugby Unlocked Round 5.

Shark v Cheetahs (Friday – 19:00)

The Sharks enter Round 5 after a comprehensive away victory and in turn, beating the 11.5 spread on offer against the Pumas last weekend. Last weeks win would have rebuilt the confidence after suffering a humiliating 27 point loss the week prior. The Sharks were dealt an injury blow as they will be without Springboks Lukhanyo Am and Sbu Nkosi this weekend.

The Cheetahs had a bye in Round 4 and have been handed the news that the points will be shared following their fixture that was called off against the Lions. This is a frustrating outcome as the Cheetahs were heavy favourites and looked like pushing for the title in SuperRugby Unlocked. Team news sees the Cheetahs losing Jaspe Wiese, Walt Steenkamp and Bernard Janse Van Rensburg to other unions.

The Sharks hold the recent dominance over the Free State outfit having won the last three fixtures. The Cheetahs enter the match knowing that they have to win to keep their tournament hopes alive. The loss of Sharks skipper Lukhanyo Am has me leaning to the Cheetahs in a close encounter.

Griquas v Stormers (Saturday – 15:30)

The Griquas head back to Kimberley after suffering a 61-31 mauling at the hands of the Lions last weekend. It’s been a disappointing season so having failed to build on the impressive Round 1 performance against the Bulls.

The Stormers will be looking to right the wrongs of their embarrassing 39-6 result against the Bulls over the weekend. Although the fixture was called off due to lightning scares in the 62 minute, the Bulls were deserved winners. It was the biggest loss for the Stormers since their 42-3 loss against the Bulls in 2018.

The betting sees the Griquas given a 10 point head start on their home patch. I expect a much improved performance from the Cape side and will side with them to cover this spread comfortably. Look out for Blitzbok flyer Angelo Davids as he makes his debut on the wing for the Stormers.

Lions v Bulls (Saturday – 19:00)

The Lions eased past the 11.5 handicap last weekend as they chalked up a 61-31 victory against the Griquas. It’s been a mixed season for the Lions as they have suffered away losses to the two coastal sides in the tournament.

The Bulls enter their penultimate fixture of the season in scintillating form after putting away the Stormers 39-6 at Loftus. The Bulls need to record two more victories to be crowned champions of the Super Rugby Unlocked season and will be motivated to see out this fixture.

The betting suggests that this fixture will be settled by less than a converted try. Looking at the history books see the home side traditionally running out victors. The Lions have covered all three handicaps this season and I can’t see any reason to oppose them this weekend on their home turf. I expect a real nail biter here.

Related Topicsbetting tipsBullsCurrie CupGriquasLionsPumasSharksStormers

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