3 Rugby Matches to Bet On – Currie Cup & Pro 14

Our rugby punter Neal Hoogwerf has picked out three matches to bet on this weekend. The matches span from the Currie Cup semi-finals to a massive derby in the Pro 14 as Munster host Leinster.

Currie Cup: Bulls v Lions

Saturday 21 January – 14:00

The Bulls finished the regular season at the top of the standings after a shock 44-14 loss against the Pumas in Nelspruit. Although it was a second string side, it would have sent a stern message to Jake White that his troops aren’t unbeatable. The Bulls have been a mixed bag against the spread having covered three out of their five fixtures in the Currie Cup.

The Lions enter the playoffs as the biggest outsiders for the title as they face the side who beat them 22-15 a fortnight ago. The Lions will be spurred on by the fact that they will have a full contingent as they look to overturn the tournament favourites. The Lions have been underrated this season as they have covered the spread four out of their five fixtures in the Currie Cup.

The last five fixtures between these sides have been settled by a converted try or less. I feel as if this will be a tussle between the goalkickers with both sides looking to keep the scoreboard ticking. I’ll be taking the Lions to cover the spread this weekend.

Best Bet: Lions +8.5 at 1.80

Value Bet: Bulls 1-12 at 2.50

Currie Cup: Western Province v Sharks

Saturday 23 January – 16:30

Western Province finished second on the log at the end of the regular season after securing a home semi-final in edging the Cheetahs by two points in Bloemfontein. It’s been an indifferent season for the coastal outfit, having failed to consistently string dominant performances together. Against the spread, Western Province have only covered one of their five fixtures.

The Sharks ended the COVID-hit season in third position after having their final fixture cancelled against the Western Province. It’s the second instance that the fixture between these two sides has been cancelled this season, with the SR Unlocked match in 2020 facing the same outcome. The Sharks have been poor on the road this season having failed to win or cover a spread.

Recent history suggests a toss up between these sides. It will be a battle of the set-piece with both teams looking to their forwards to ensure mainline dominance. I’m happy to side with a generous plus in what looks to be a tight derby contest.

Best Bet: Sharks +4.5 at 1.84

Value Bet: Western Province 1-12 at 2.35

Pro 14: Munster v Leinster

Saturday 23 January – 21:35

Munster enter the closing stages of the Pro 14 on a nine match winning streak in all competitions at Thomond Park. They are deserved Group B leaders having shown consistency in selection and performances. Munster’s only hiccup this season occurred away to Ulster where a Marcel Coetzee inspired performance saw the Belfast men edge home.

Breaking down Munster’s attack sees the likes of Gavin Coombes, Ben Healy and Shane Daly have brought a youthful energy to the structure. The line-out maul has been a potent weapon recently while Damian de Allende has been in red hot form in midfield.

Leinster head into this fixture having won 27 of their last 28 Pro14 outings and recorded a bonus point in their last 11 fixtures. It’s no surprise that Leinster will be eyeing out their fourth league title in a row. Littered with international quality and dubbed the ‘Crusaders of the North’ by Southern Hemisphere couch-followers, it’s always a tricky outcome to oppose Leinster.

Looking at the grim weather for Saturday and the resurgence of Munster, I’ll be siding with the home side to cover the handicap. Who knows, maybe even a shock victory on the cards?

Best Bet: Munster +3.5 at 1.87