The Cheetahs started 13.5 point favourites at home to the Griquas last year but they ended up being rolled by 10 points. This year the layers have given the visitors a 10 point start.

I was impressed with the way the Cheetahs started against Western Province last week but in the end they were outplayed and were well beaten despite having been slight favourites.

The Griquas on the other hand caused something of an upset when they beat the Sharks in Kimberley having started 7.5 point underdogs on most books.

The big news for the home team is that Juan Smith starts as Captain and coach Drotske will be hoping he can galvanize the team as he did in the Super 14. The Griquas have made a couple of changes with Rosslee benched for Geel and Buckle starting at tight head prop.

HISTORY

The Cheetahs started 13.5 point favourites last year but lost this fixture 18-28 although they did gain revenge later in the season with a comprehensive 58-13 win in Kimberley. In 2008 the Cheetahs won 22-3 in Bloemfontein.

BETTING

Cheetahs 4/11 at GreatOdds

Draw 33/1 at Mbet and World of Sport

Griquas 3.65/1 at World of Sport

Handicap
Cheetahs -8.5 at 9/10 with World Sports Betting
Griquas +10 at 9/10 tie no bet with Betxchange

BETTING ANGLE

I certainly expected more from the Cheetahs last week but I think as the season progresses we will find there is no disgrace in losing to Western Province.

The return of Juan Smith is huge and while I expect the Griquas are going to give plenty of cheek I think that the Cheetahs will win this one and I suspect they will do enough to beat the handicap as well.

BET: 2 units Cheetahs -8.5 at 9/10 with World Sports Betting

From a spreads perspective my first instinct was that there will be plenty of points in this one but while no rain is expected the temperature looks set to be pretty close to freezing tomorrow night and this may bring with it a moist surface. I will make my final call closer to kick off though and will post any bets in this thread in our forum.

The remaining Currie Cup Previews will be posted in our Rugby section and you can click here for our All Blacks v Boks preview.

Win a R5000 Trading Account at Global Trader
This and cash prizes available in our Free2Play Currie Cup handicap competition – enter at www.sportspicks.co.za

BEST BET
E-mail me This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to get on my mailing list – I generally send out 1 e-mail per week with my best or value bet and links to major previews.

You can follow Brent on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/brentgraham