Currie Cup

Currie Cup – Round Six Preview

by
Shaun Goosen
July 29, 2021

Shaun Goosen previews round six of the Currie Cup.

Friday 30 July

Lions v Pumas

16h45

Emirates Airlines Park

The Lions will be looking for just their second win of the Currie Cup campaign when they host the Pumas at Emirates Airlines Park on Friday.

Cash van Rooyen’s side come off the back of consecutive losses to the Griquas and Bulls and lie in seventh, seven-points adrift of fourth-placed Western Province (17-points). They’ll need to pick up wins quickly if they’re to make a miraculous comeback this season which makes this weekend’s home match a non-negotiable.

For Jimmy Stonehouse and his charges, last week’s home loss to WP was a big downer. Now fifth, albeit just two-points adrift of a playoff spot, they will view a trip to Johannesburg as a great opportunity to keep up the heat on the table-toppers.

Verdict: Pumas win within handicap

This match at Emirates Airlines Park is set to be extremely competitive for a number of reasons, but back the Pumas to claim a mighty important result here.

WP v Bulls

19h00

DHL Stadium

Western Province host the Bulls in a top of the table clash at DHL Stadium on Friday.

WP are fourth following their big win over the Pumas last week. Not unlike many other sides this season, they have endured something of a slow start but this weekend’s game against a powerful Bulls lineup won’t allow them too much leeway for mistakes to be made.

Jake White’s men resumed their Currie Cup duties last week with a regulation win over the Lions. They’ll be hoping for minimal disruptions from here on out as they begin to stage a proper assault on defending their title and claiming a second successive championship.

Verdict: Bulls win, clear handicap

The strength in depth of the Bulls shouldn’t allow for a hiccup here.

Saturday 31 July

Sharks v Griquas

14h30

Kings Park

The Sharks host the Griquas at Kings Park on Saturday as they look to consolidate their standing at the summit of the log.

Sean Everitt’s men beat a good Cheetahs team 47-30 in Bloemfontein last week to go top, which would have greatly increased the confidence in the squad after a stop-start campaign. Last season’s runners-up are right in it and will look to press home their advantage in the coming rounds.

The Griquas are third and have picked up some important wins so far, including results over the Lions and Cheetahs. They could feel the brunt of a Sharks side that will be highly motivated here though.