Western Province need a big result in their match against the Sharks if they're to sneak into the play-offs.
Griquas v Pumas
14h30
Tafel Lager Park
The Griquas host the Pumas at Tafel Lager Park on Saturday with both sides eyeing a place in the semi-finals.
Scott Mathie’s side are third and Jimmy Stonehouse’s men sit fourth, with the visitors trailing the former by a single point. Western Province are just two back of the Pumas and can qualify with a big win over the Sharks in Durban. If they can’t manage that, the two underdog teams will both be guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals no matter the result in Kimberley.
Both teams are coming off the back of big wins, but the home side should feel they have enough here. The Pumas triumphed 26-22 in the reverse fixture in July, and will run them close, but should ultimately go down.
Verdict: Griquas
The Griquas’ physicality should nullify the Pumas’ attacking game.
Bulls v Cheetahs
16h45
Loftus Versfeld
The Bulls can wrap up top spot with a victory over the Cheetahs at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Jake White’s side are four points clear of the Sharks at the summit of the Currie Cup standings and will be eager to ensure they remain in that position by the end of play on Saturday. They’ve lost just once at Loftus this year.
The Cheetahs have nothing but pride to play for following a disappointing campaign that has so far seen them win just three times. Many Free State fans have run out of patience with the current coaching staff and there could well be some changes made in Bloemfontein in the months ahead.
A lack of effectiveness without ball in hand has always been the side’s traditional Achilles heel, but their defensive performances this season have been far from acceptable.
Verdict: Bulls
The Bulls have far too much quality for this Cheetahs team to handle.
Sharks v Western Province
19h00
Kings Park
The Sharks can build some momentum heading into the semi-finals with a win over what will be a fired-up Western Province outfit at Kings Park on Saturday.
The second-placed Durbanites have sealed playoff qualification and can even finish the season in first with a bonus-point win here, coupled with a Bulls loss. While that remains an unlikely occurrence, Sean Everitt’s men will have their focus on smoothing out their overall game ahead of the knockouts.
Province are fifth following their 46-25 mauling by the Griquas in Kimberley last week and a loss here will see them miss the semi-finals for just the second time since 2008. John Dobson’s made a host of changes, but it may not be enough against a solid Sharks outfit.
Verdict: Sharks
The hosts will hold off Province in Durban.
