The 2026 Currie Cup continues this weekend and, as always, we keep an eye on all things betting-related.
Week 3 Review
Griquas 24 Cheetahs 21
I got on the Griquas early doors at just under even money, and while it took a while for the money to come, they eventually started as 4.5-point favourites. Griquas led quite comfortably deep into the match but had to hang on for a three-point victory. That meant punters who took Griquas outright when the betting opened and then Cheetahs +4.5 on game day landed the middle and I was just relieved to get off to a strong start.
Stormers XXIII 36 Sharks XV 28
I'd made the Sharks favourites for this game, so jumped on them when the early betting came out. The market remained fairly stable throughout the week, but while the Sharks had their moments, they made far too many errors against a Stormers side that impressed on the day. The final eight-point margin probably flattered the Sharks a little.
Lions 42 Blue Bulls 19
The Lions started as 17.5-point favourites and comfortably covered the handicap. I decided to put myself through all sorts of torture by taking under 67.5 points, and in the end it was another winning under where I was simply hanging on and hoping for the final whistle.
Boland Cavaliers 15 Ford Pumas 20
Boland were 14.5-point favourites for this one, and the Pumas plus were the second leg of my newsletter double (click here to get my free weekly newsletter). Rather than backing them again in the blog, I opted for Pumas over 22.5 team points. It looked promising at half-time, but it turned into a very low-scoring affair and, in hindsight, I wish I'd simply sat back and cheered the Pumas +14.5 home.
Table Update
Three rounds have been completed and the Lions head the standings on 12 points after their convincing win over the Blue Bulls. Griquas and the Cheetahs are hot on their heels with 11 points apiece, while Boland Cavaliers and Stormers XXIII both have 9 points after winning two of their opening three matches.
The Ford Pumas moved off the bottom of the table with their win in Wellington and now sit on 7 points, just ahead of the Sharks XV on 6. The Blue Bulls remain winless after three rounds and prop up the standings with a solitary bonus point.
With just three points separating second and fifth, the race for the semi-final places is already beginning to take shape.
Week 4 Fixtures
Saturday, 8 August 2026
- Griquas v Lions – Griqua Park, Kimberley
- Blue Bulls v Ford Pumas – Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
- Sharks XV v Boland Cavaliers – Princess Magogo Stadium, KwaMashu
Sunday, 9 August 2026
- Stormers XXIII v Cheetahs – Athlone Stadium, Cape Town
I'll update this blog with my projected handicaps early in the week
