Ford Pumas vs Cheetahs Prediction & Betting Tips - Currie Cup

Prediction published on 01/06/2023, 15:35  by Devesh Jaganath in Currie Cup Predictions

The third-placed Pumas will play host to the Free State Cheetahs, who are in second, in the penultimate group stage match of the Currie Cup on Saturday. The visitors currently trail the Natal Sharks by two points but need just one more point in their remaining two matches to guarantee their place in the knockout stages. If they lose this match, they could still qualify for the final four here if Western Province and the Golden Lions lose their matches as well. The Cheetahs played out the first draw of this year's competition in their last match, drawing 29-29 to Griquas at the Free State Stadium last week. With that result, their record now stands at seven wins, one draw, and four losses in their 12 matches. The visitors have been good in away matches this season, picking up four wins in five matches to date. Their only loss on the road came at the Shark Tank last month, which was the same week that they relinquished the lead to the side from Durban. They have now failed to win any of their last three, losing two and drawing one. The Cheetahs are making hard work of getting over the finish line. They need to pick up at least a bonus point in this match, or they may find their qualification hopes going down to the final day. 

Like their opponents, the Pumas also come into this match following three consecutive defeats. They are on 36 points, five behind their opponents and five ahead of Western Province and the Golden Lions in fifth and sixth, respectively. The defending champions will qualify for the knockout stages with a win here and if the two sides below them lose their matches. They hold the best points difference in the tournament by a huge margin, which could still play a role in deciding the race for the top four spots. Despite their poor form, the Pumas will be able to draw confidence from the previous result between these two sides. They demolished the Cheetahs on their home patch 61-21 back in week three and will be hoping for a similar type of performance here in front of their home fans.