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| Curwin Bosch |
The Cheetahs will look to progress to a first Currie Cup final since 2016 when they host the defending champion Sharks in the second Currie Cup semi-final at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday the 31st of August.
Currie Cup semi-final 2
Cheetahs v Sharks
31 August 17h00
Toyota Stadium
To Win
Cheetahs 11/20
Draw 20/1
Sharks 15/10
The hosts last won the title three-years ago when they downed the Blue Bulls 36-16 at home. The Sharks, meanwhile, triumphed 17-12 over Western Province at Newlands last season.
Franco Smith, in his final year in charge of the Free Stater’s, has lifted his side to several standout showings so far, with their 68-14 demolition of the Griquas in round three the highlight.
It’s fair to say the men in white and orange haven’t been shy to throw the ball around this season, having topped the standings with a whopping points difference of 72 – 42 better than the next best WP. If they get front-foot ball and start to get into their high tempo rhythm, they will be tough to stop.
The Durbanites, though, are one of two teams to have bested them in 2019; that coming in a 27-20 win in Durban.
Their forwards will need to win the all-important battle at the gainline this weekend, while the halfback pairing (expected to be Boeta Chamberlain and Sanele Nohamba once more) need to control matters and play at their own pace. The Cheetahs will look to speed up play, but it is imperative for the Sharks not to get sucked into playing too loosely.
Verdict: Cheetahs 11/20
The game is sure to be a close one for the majority of the contest, with territory and possession set to be as vital as ever. However, playing in front of their faithful support, the Cheetahs should sneak it and book a home final.
Written by Shaun Goosen for Hollywoodbets
