The Currie Cup round-robin phase will come to a close this coming weekend. Darry Worthington previews the final set of fixtures below.
The 2019 Currie Cup regulars season will reach a thrilling climax this coming weekend with top spot on the log, the semi-final berths and the battle to avoid the wooden spoon all set to be decided on Saturday the 24th of August.
Tafel Larger Griquas v Golden Lions
Saturday 24 August
Tafel Larger Park
15:00
To Win (80 Mins)
Griquas
Draw
Lions
Odds to be added on release*
The log-leading Griquas will be looking to pull off one of the greatest upsets in Currie Cup history by beating a young Lions side and claiming top spot on the table.
The men from Griqualand enjoyed a solid showing in Round 6 as they humbled Western Province 27-3, with the result seeing them take a two-point lead at the top of the standings headed into the final round. A win over the Lions would guarantee the Griquas top spot but even two losing bonus points may be enough as their nearest rivals for pole position are the Cheetahs, who will take on a Western Province side that is fighting for survival.
Unlike the Griquas, the Lions had a tough time of it in Round 6 going down 28-30 to the Sharks on home soil. They had a chance to seal and late draw or even a win as a 75th-minute conversion was and the sloppy build-up play saw them knock the ball on while they were camped in their opponents 22.
Verdict: Griquas
I was a bit sceptical of the Griquas last week but after watching them grind a victory out over Province I have become a lot more confident in them. My money is on the hosts edging this one by between one and three points.
______________________________________________
Free State XV v Western Province
Saturday 24 August
Toyota Stadium
17:15
To Win (80 Mins)
Free State XV
Draw
Western Province
Handicap
Free State XV
Western Province
Odds to be added on release*
The Free State XV and Western Province will clash in a make or break fixture in the day’s second game.
The hosts managed to claw their way to an unconvincing 37-43 victory over the tournament’s last-placed side, the Pumas. Franco Smith’s men will need to up their game this week as they are taking on a Western Province side that will be loaded with Springbok returnees.
While the Cheetahs managed to salvage a win last weekend, Western Province were unable to as they went down 27-23 to the log leading Griquas. The result has seen them slip down into fifth place on the log – a point behind the fourth-placed Sharks.
As touched upon earlier, the visitors will welcome back a host of Springboks with Dillyn Leyds, Scarra Ntubeni and Wilco Louw returning from international duty.
Verdict: Western Province
This should be a cracker of a game with both teams needing the win for their respective goals to be achieved. I have a funny feeling that Western Province’s desperation will see them over the line here.
______________________________________________
Blue Bulls v Sharks XV
Saturday 24 August
Loftus Versfeld
19:15
To Win (80 Mins)
Blue Bulls
Draw
Sharks
Handicap
Bulls
Sharks
Odds to be added on release*
The Blue Bulls will be looking to pull off a minor miracle when they take on a confident Sharks side in the final regular-season fixture. Currently sitting on nine points, the would need to beat the Sharks by a mammoth margin and hope that Western Province do them a favour and slip up against the Cheetahs.
Visting side, the Sharks, head into this one off the back of a great two-point win over the Lions and are still in with a sniff of claiming a home semi-final but they would need to claim a win here and hope that both the Cheetahs and Lions have off weeks and go down to their respective opponents.
In terms of team news, the Blue Bulls will welcome back Marco van Staden from Springbok duty while the Shark may just get Curwin Bosch back as the pivot missed last week’s game with what was a simple back strain.
Verdict: Blue Bulls (+)
This should be an open game with both sides likely to go bonus point hunting. I think this sort of game will suit the Bulls better than it will their visitors. My money is on the hosts staying within the ‘cap.
