Where you should put your money on the Rugby Championship and Currie Cup this weekend, according to MARK KEOHANE.
The Bulls let me down badly last weekend. The final leg of a profitable multiple, their performance against the Sharks left a bad taste in the mouth. It was still a decent return, with three of the four bets coming through. With six matches this weekend, the multiple comes in at much lengthier odds, but our recent record suggests that we could get close.
South Africa vs Australia
The Springboks will be too good for the Aussies at Newlands. Heyneke Meyer has been forced to shuffle things around due to injury, but they should still have enough to win well. The bookies have the Boks nine points better off, but given the hammering the Wallabies took in New Zealand, they're being generous to the Australians. The Boks will win this by double figures, with the handicap bet (Boks to win by nine points or more) available at 9/10.
Argentina vs New Zealand
The scoreline between these two in Napier flattered the All Blacks, and they had the French referee to thank for that. Things will be a lot closer in La Plata, where the Argentinians have been strong traditionally. Argentina are closing on a first Rugby Championship win and, while I don't expect it to be this weekend, they should comfortably cover the 'cap, which stands at 15 points. Back the Pumas to finish within that 15-point margin at 9/10.
Free State Cheetahs vs Blue Bulls
It's crunch time for the Bulls. They need to win all their remaining matches to stand any chance of making the semi's, starting against the Cheetahs on Friday. The Cheetahs have won just once on their home patch this season, a narrow victory over 14-man Griquas. Despite burning myself on the Bulls last weekend, I'm backing them again. For those brave enough to follow suit, they can be found at lengthy odds of 31/20.
Pumas vs Western Province
The Pumas were outplayed by a better Golden Lions side last weekend. Back in Nelspruit, though, they'll be a handful for Province. They've beaten all-comers at the Mbombela Stadium this season and any complacency from the Cape-based side will be punished. An upset could well be on the cards here, with the 3/1 (R400 return on every R100 wagered) available on the Pumas too good to pass up.
Sharks vs EP Kings
The Sharks returned to winning ways against the Bulls at Loftus, but that was more down to the side from Pretoria having an off day, than anything the visitors did. As for the Kings, well they'll be wanting the season to end. While they haven't come close to winning a match, the 26-point handicap on this match seems a bit excessive. I'm backing them to cover the 'cap (finish within 26 points), which can be found at 9/10.
Griquas vs Golden Lions
Kimberley is usually a tough place to visit. I say usually because that hasn't been the case this season. Sides of lesser quality than the Lions have gone there and won. Johan Ackermann's team is building nicely and have a solid chance of picking up their first Currie Cup title since 2011. I've got the Lions to win by 10 points, which translates into a 9/10 bet on the handicap.
Keo's weekend picks
South Africa (-8.5) 9/10
Argentina (+14.5) 9/10
Blue Bulls 31/20
Pumas 3/1
Kings (+25.5) 9/10
Lions (-7.5) 9/10
Multiple odds 133/1
Photo: Daniel Carson/BackpagePix
