John Mitchell
The halfway point in the Currie Cup has come and gone. In years gone by, the bigger unions have normally occupied the top 4 positions on the log and this year is no different. The Lions (28/10) head the table with 32 points, closely followed by Western Province 27 points (33/10), the Sharks (5/2) 26 points and Griquas (25/1). The Cheetahs (6/1) and Bulls (8/1) sit just outside them, predictably followed by the Pumas (2000/1) and Leopards (2000/1)
The Lions (28/10) are in the unfamiliar position of log leaders. John Mitchell has assembled a young side that seem desperate for success. Mitchell has kept the majority of the Super 15 squad together, and this continuity has paid dividends as he has transformed a desperate union into serious title contenders in 2011. I have no doubt that they will make the play-offs and possibly get into the final. The question I keep asking myself is twofold: do they have enough experience to see them through this difficult period? And what happens if they have to play away from home? This is a squad that has young, inexperienced players in crucial decision making positions, if the pressure is on, will they crumble? Their away record isn’t the greatest, and this worries me as a punter. At 28-10, I would stay away for the moment.
As defending Champions, the Sharks (5/2) know exactly what is required to win the competition and this experience should see them through to the play-offs. Their form has been solid, with 6 wins from seven outings thus far. The big talking point for the title holders has been their inability to cross the whitewash. They might not be easy on the eye, but this is a team that knows how to win, possess a formidable squad and have an experience to do it. Out of the shorter priced teams, I believe it is worth having a strike on the Sharks at 5/2.
If there’s a team that have it all to play for, it’s Western Province (33/10). The men from the Cape must be sick of being bridesmaids. Their inability to get over the final hurdle is starting to become a problem and sooner or later the dreaded “C” word will start being thrown around. Looking at their run in to the play offs, they have a few tough assignments ahead of them. The depth of their squad will be a concern, and like the lions, they have a rather inexperienced starting XV. There seem to be too many unanswered questions here, and as a punter, confidence plays a big role in determining my selections. I can’t punt the Province boys with much confidence.
The Cheetahs (6/1) are currently the value side in the competition. This is a Union that lives for the Currie Cup, as in all reality, it’s the only trophy they have a chance at winning. Their form hasn’t been fantastic, but they are notorious for putting in a late charge come end of season. I’ve been impressed with the way they have been able to mix up their game, between playing it tight and throwing it around and this will come in handy if the reach the final. Make no mistake about it, they have a mountain to climb to get there, but if you are looking at having a punt, you can’t get hurt at 6-1.
Putting Provincial allegiance aside is one of the keys to finding value and success in the Currie Cup. Of course we all want our teams to win the competition, but the reality is that the Sharks and Lions are the two standout teams. A punt on the Cheetahs could also see you profiting nicely.
