Loosehead's Weekend of Rugby

By Loosehead

Cheetahs v Western Province



6th August 14:00 GMT - Sky Sports HD4

The Currie Cup competition is likely to be difficult to predict this season with a number of up and coming players gaining the chance to shine in the place of rested stars. Western Province have performed admirably in their last two matches with the likes of Siya Kolisi, Nick Koster and Demetri Catrakilis really stepping up to this level.  The face by far their toughest challenge to date however, in the shape of a Cheetahs side that welcome back four of their very best players from Springbok duty.

Following a predictably easy win over the Leopards, the Cheetahs have lost their last two encounters but will be targeting this weekend as their opportunity to get back on track with a victory.  They welcome back Oosthuizen, Strauss and Johnson to their starting pack and the latter in particular stood out for the Springboks last weekend.  They also have the luxury of being able to field the excellent Heinrich Brussow from the bench and he is sure to feature at some point. 

The Cheetahs were a much improved team in the Super Rugby competition with a similar side to this and I expect an immediate return to top form this weekend.

Selection – Cheetahs -3 to beat Western Province – 3 points at 1.83 Sportingbet


Blue Bulls v Lions



6th August 16:05 GMT - Sky Sports HD4

The Blue Bulls also welcome back a number of Internationals this weekend but, in this case, I doubt that they will make the same impact.  They can field a new front row in Kruger, Ralepelle and Greyling but this trio were poor against New Zealand last weekend and I would suggest that they are little better than average at this level.

The Lions are a settled side with the majority of players having been together throughout the Super Rugby competition and are boosted by the return of Elton Jantjies, who should provide some extra spark to the back line.  Former Leopards scrum half Michael Bondesio gets an opportunity in the number 9 shirt, with coach John Mitchell looking to the future following the announcement of Jano Vermaak's departure to Western Province.  Bondesio is an attack minded scrum half and his partnership with Jantjies will go a long way towards deciding the outcome of the match.

The Bulls underperformed in the Super Rugby competition this year and have so far been a team to oppose on the handicaps in the Currie Cup.  I expect this trend to continue this weekend against a Lions side in the midst of an upward curve at present.

Selection – Lions +8 to beat Blue Bulls – 3 points at 1.91 Betfred


Scotland v Ireland



6th August 14:15 GMT - BBC2

It would usually be quiet at this time of year in terms of rugby union betting; however, with the World Cup fast approaching we are being treated to several weekends of additional matches in the form of International friendlies.  With so much to play for in terms of World Cup places I expect these to be hard fought encounters close to the intensity that we are accustomed to witnessing in the Six Nations.

Whilst one would expect some degree of player experimentation over the course of these matches, I am surprised at the extent of that experimentation as regards the forward pack selected for Ireland.  They are without several stars, including Ross, Healey, O'Connell, O'Brien and Heaslip and those brought in to replace them look nowhere near as good.  The Irish back line is reasonable enough even without O'Driscoll, Darcy and Bowe but with heavy rain expected the match is likely to be decided by the pack that can dominate.  The Scotland pack has a far more familiar look including the experienced front row of Jacobsen, Ford and Cross in front of the excellent second row duo of Hamilton and Gray.

There has been a flood of money on Scotland already but I believe that they should be favourites for this encounter and expect them to duly oblige.

Selections

Scotland to beat Ireland by 1-12 points – 2 points at 3 Blue Square

Scotland +2 to beat Ireland – 3 points at 2 Stan James

Loosehead