We are into Round 6 of Super Rugby Unlocked and the table-topping Bulls sit out this week. The Sharks face the Griquas on Friday needing a bonus-point win.
On Saturday the Lions will back themselves to get a win over against the Pumas. In the final match on Saturday, the Stormers host the Cheetahs at Newlands.
Below, we provide yet more tips and predictions for Super Rugby Unlocked Round 6.
Griquas v Sharks (Friday – 19:00)
The Griquas will be looking to shake off their 33 point loss against the Stormers when they welcome the Sharks to Kimberley. It’s been a disappointing campaign for the Griquas managing to cover one handicap out of four fixtures. Continuity in team selection has also been hard to come by for the peacock blues.
The Sharks head on the road after a 76th minute try saw them beat the Cheetahs by six points in Durban. It leaves the Sharks with a faint glimmer of hope at a crack at the title if they can claim 10 points from their remaining two fixtures. The Sharks have been indifferent against the spread having covered two of the four matches.
The Sharks know that they can’t settle for anything less than a full house of points. If they can quickly adjust to the altitude, they should have no problem with putting away the struggling Griquas. I’m siding with the men from Natal to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Lions v Pumas (Saturday – 16:30)
The Lions are back at Ellis Park following their 25-30 loss at the hands of the Bulls in Round 5. The Lions will be left wondering after they coughed up a halftime lead. It took an 80th minute penalty from Elton Jantjies to edge the Lions home against the spread. The Lions have been great to back in the competition having covered 4/4 so far.
The Pumas return from their week break to face a dangerous Lions outfit in Johannesburg. There have been glimpses from the Pumas throughout the season to suggest they can walk with the big unions. The Pumas will be missing instrumental back-rower Juandre Rudolph as he has taken up a two year deal with the Cheetahs.
History suggests that games between these two sides are closely fought with the highest margin of victory in the last four fixtures totalling 12 points. I expect a fast flowing game at altitude with a view on taking overs on points if given a high 50 points line. With a look at the handicap, the Pumas should have enough to cover a generous 21.5 head start.
Stormers v Cheetahs (Saturday – 19:00)
The Stormers finally managed to kick into gear as they recorded a bonus point win in Kimberley. It’s been an unconvincing season from the Stormers as their defence has let them down in conceding close to 40 points against the Bulls and Pumas.
The Cheetahs fly to the Cape following an arm wrestle against the Sharks in Durban. A late Frans Steyn withdrawal scuppered their chances as they failed close out the game following their 73rd minute try to take the lead. The Cheetahs chances at the title seem slim as they enter Round 5 in fourth position.
The Stormers will be hoping to finish their campaign strongly as they head back to Fortress Newlands. The weather is looking ominous for the clash so a definite look at under on total points if given a generous line. The handicap seems well placed but I’ll be backing the men from the Cape to continue their form and get the full complement at home.
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