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Western Province vs Lions Preview & Tips - Lions can upset the odds at Newlands

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 17 Aug 2021

Ralph Staniforth 17 Aug 2021

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Western Province vs Lions predictions for Wednesday’s Currie Cup fixture
Match is being played at 18:00 BST at Newlands
Can the Lions keep their semi-final hopes alive?
Preview, tips, stats & team news

Expired

Lions must-win on Wednesday to keep playoff hopes alive (Getty Images)

Western Province vs Lions Preview & Tips

Western Province have only had two days to recover after playing on Sunday. That has forced John Dobson into seven changes. On the other hand the Lions played on Saturday so have had an extra recovery day.

Western Province vs Lions Preview & Tips
Head to Head
Western Province Form
Western Province Team News
Lions Form
Lions Team News
Western Province vs Lions FAQ

Both of the teams have been inconsistent this season but the Lions did beat Province earlier in the campaign. I'm backing the Lions to lose by less than five points.

Western Province have failed to win by more than 5 points in 4 of their last 5 matches.
Western Province have failed to win 3 of their last 5 matches.
Lions beat Western Province 38-32 in their last match.
Lions have won, drawn or lost by less than 5 points in 3 of their last 4 matches.

Head to Head

Western Province hold a 7-5 lead over their last 12 matches against Lions. When they met earlier this season the Lions won 38-32 at Emirates Airline Park.

Western Province Form

Western Province still find themselves just outside of the playoff places on the Currie Cup table. They are one point off Griquas but with three matches to play will be confident that they can reach the semi-final.

Inconsistency has plagued the Cape Town-based outfit this season. Towards the end of July Province beat the Pumas 37-23 in Nelspruit but followed it up with a 34-13 defeat to the Bulls. Scarra Ntubeni was sent off in that match which didn’t make life easy.

That was followed by a superb comeback 40-39 victory over the Cheetahs. This past weekend was the complete opposite as the blue and white stripes blew a 14 point lead in the final 10 minutes to draw 40-40 with the Pumas.

Western Province Team News

John Dobson has made seven changes to his side from Sunday. Much of that has to do with the two-day turnaround.

Dian Bleuler and Neethling Fouche will start at loose- and tighthead prop respectively. Ernst van Rhyn makes a return and will captain the side.

Godlen Masimba gets his chance at scrumhalf while Ruhan Nel and Sergeal Petersen come back into the run-on side.

Lions Form

The Lions are second from bottom on the Currie Cup table and have played a game more than the teams around them. Should they however win their final two matches a playoff spot is not impossible.

That is however a stretch considering their inability to put back-to-back performances together. The Lions lost three consecutive matches in a 10 day period against Griquas, Bulls and Pumas.

The Johannesburg-based outfit did bounce back to beat Griquas 45-42 but then drew 44-44 against the Cheetahs and lost 48-21 to the Bulls on Saturday. The Lions were competitive in the first half, trailing by just one point but the dam walls broke in the second half.

Lions Team News

The Lions have had a three-day turnaround compared to the two of Province. They are likely to make a couple of changes but with this being a must-win for them, Ivan van Rooyen will pick close to his strongest available side.

Western Province vs Lions FAQ

Where can I watch Western Province vs Lions live stream?

Check our live streaming calendar to see where to watch Western Province vs Lions live stream.

Verdict

Western Province v Lions

Western Province have only had two days between matches and forced into seven changes. I am backing the Lions to come within 5 points and perhaps upset the odds with a win.

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