This season’s Currie Cup heads into the final weekend of round robin match-ups with one semi-final berth still up for grabs in an almighty showdown between last year’s runners-up the Pumas and the defending champion Free State Cheetahs in Mbombela.
Makazole Mapimpi (Pic – Supplied)
Friday 6 September
Griquas | Draw | Western Province
Griquas never truly got going in 2024, with a few false starts peppered in with several poor results. Still, coming into this one locked on the same number of log-points (19) as their opponents this week, albeit one place back in seventh, Pieter Bergh’s side can at least aim to leapfrog Province in Kimberley and end their campaign on a high.
WP’s experiment with youth should yet pay dividends down the line, but unfortunately for them it just hasn’t worked out in the short term. Their three wins from nine is a pretty ordinary return for the competition’s most successful team, but they will be extra motivated to end their season strongly by collecting one final win here.
Verdict: WP to win
Get on the visitors to come good and hang on to sixth.
Golden Lions | Draw | Griffons
The Lions hit new heights in their 57-33 win over the Bulls at Loftus last week which has all but secured them top spot this season. With all due respect to Griffons, who have done superbly well to produce some solid performances after really struggling early on, they just don’t have the talent to beat this roaring Lions outfit at home.
Verify: Lions on the minus
Straightforward pick here.
Saturday 7 September
Pumas | Draw | Free State Cheetahs
In the clash of the round, a semi-final spot beckons for one of last year’s finalists in Mbombela.
As things stand, Pumas are fifth, trailing their opponents this week by just a single log-point and only a win will see them remain in the title fight. Jimmy Stonehouse’s charges have failed to gain any true momentum during their campaign, with four wins, four losses and a draw to their name. Still, they’ll look to take inspiration from their 2022 side that finished fourth and went on to claim the crown as they gear up for this one.
After starting strongly, the Cheetahs have faded this season and head into this do-or-die clash after losing three on the bounce. Though confidence in the group may be at a low point, they will be motivated to pick themselves up for what could be their last shot at defending their title.
Verdict: Pumas to win
This one won’t be decided by much, but the hosts should just about have enough to dethrone vanquish the reigning champs, who haven’t looked good of late.
Sunday 8 September
Hollywoodbets Sharks XV | Draw | Blue Bulls
With John Plumtree back at the helm and a number of URC players at his disposal, the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV wrapped up third spot on the log thanks to a 75-19 annihilation of Griffons in Durban. The Bulls, though, will offer a much sterner test, especially considering the sides are likely to meet again in Pretoria in next week’s semi-final.
This game will be all about finding chinks in the opposition armour with an eye on that last four tussle. One would think that, should the Sharks XV name a team close to what we saw last week, their power and dynamism should just give them the edge.
Verdict: Sharks to win
The Durbanites’ good form should boost them to victory on Sunday.
