Cheetahs vs Griquas Prediction: Cheetahs to edge Bloemfontein battle

Just one point separates the Cheetahs and Griquas as they prepare to go head-to-head in the Currie Cup on Friday (16:00, Sky Sports Action) at Free State Stadium.

Alex Jack provides his best bets in his Cheetahs vs Griquas prediction piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the clash in Bloemfontein.

Team News

Starting with the Cheetahs, the hosts have selected Hencus van Wyk in the front row, alongside hooker Mark Jansen van Rensburg and fellow prop John-Kelly Okonkwo.

Juan Venter and skipper Victor Sekekete start in the second row, with Gideon van der Merwe, Mihlali Mosi and Neels Volschenk completing the pack.

Rewan Kruger and Franco Smith start in the half-backs, with Carel-Jan Coetzee and Maco Janse van Vuren in the centres.

The back three for the Cheetahs is Cohen Jasper, Prince Nkabinde and Clayton Blommetjies.

As for Griquas, Eddie Davids, Janco Uys and skipper Cebo Dlamini start in the front row, with locks Malembe Mpofu and Albert Liebenberg in the engine room.

Carl Els, Lourens Oosthuizen and Gustav Erlank complete the pack, while Caleb Abrahams and George Whitehead start in the half-backs.

Mnombo Zwelendaba and Zane Bester start in the centres, with Gurswin Wehr, Dylan Maart and Cameron Hufke in the back three.

Match Odds

The Cheetahs are available at X/X to come out on top on home soil, while Griquas are X/X to leave Free State Stadium with the victory.

A draw in Bloemfontein is currently available at X/X.

Cheetahs -8 handicap @ 6/5

Both these teams come into this game on the back of impressive form, with each side managing to pick up four wins from their last five outings and building real momentum at a crucial stage of the competition.

What might well prove to be the deciding factor in this latest Currie Cup clash, however, is that it’s Griquas who must make the trip to Bloemfontein and face the daunting challenge of Free State Stadium, a ground that has once again lived up to its reputation as a fortress.

The Cheetahs have been nothing short of relentless on their own patch, winning each of their last three matches at home and doing so in convincing fashion.

That run has reminded everyone just how difficult they are to beat when they have the Bloemfontein faithful behind them.

Their most recent outing only underlined that point, as they brushed aside the Golden Lions in a thrilling 47-31 contest. In fact, the Cheetahs have now racked up 30 points or more in four of their last five matches, underlining the attacking flair that has become their hallmark.

It’s that kind of expansive rugby, orchestrated by the experience of former Springbok star Francois Steyn as head coach, that makes them so dangerous.

With form, firepower and home advantage all on their side, the hosts look well placed to claim another victory here, and they are strongly fancied to not only get the job done but also cover the handicap on Friday.

You can read all our latest Rugby Union Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights Rugby Union content hub.