PREVIEW: 2024 Currie Cup – Round 1

Friday 5 July

Griquas 39/100 | Draw 20/1 | Pumas 43/20

Handicap
Griquas (-6.5) 17/10 | Pumas (+6.5) 17/20

Griquas tackle the Pumas in Kimberley looking to maintain the momentum following their recent 46-24 SA Cup final victory over the Mbombela boys. That win provided the Peacock Blues with their first bit of silverware in a decade after they raced into a 29-0 lead within the opening 25 minutes and never looked back.

Jimmy Stonehouse’s side, who also fell at the final hurdle of last year’s Currie Cup against the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, will be as eager as ever to back up their 2022 title with another this time round.

Verdict: Pumas (+6.5) 17/20

The rivalry between these two teams has been massive over the course of the past several seasons, and they know each other extremely well. It should be another fierce contest but ultimately the hosts should back up their SA Cup performance with a narrow win on Friday.

Hollywoodbets Sharks 2/1 | Draw 22/1 | Lions 43/100

Handicap
Sharks (+6.5) 17/20 | Lions (-6.5) 17/20

The Hollywoodbets Sharks will have home-ground advantage on their side for this one, but theirs is a new-look squad full of debutants and fresh faces that haven’t had the opportunity to settle on their combinations. As such, they may be slightly rusty off the bat and will need time to develop that trust between individuals and their new coach, JP Pietersen.

Without many Springbok call-ups to speak of, the Lions will be a more settled and experienced team, boasting several tried and tested URC-level players. They will be real contenders this season and should start off with a win in Durban.

Verdict: Lions 43/100

The visitors to earn a solid win at The Tank.

Saturday 6 July

Free State Cheetahs 1/12 | Draw 28/1 | Griffons 7/1

The defending champions have the chance to ease themselves into their campaign though they will have to get used to life without the legendary Ruan Pienaar, who recently announced his retirement.

The Griffons won just one of their 14 games in the competition last year and won’t pose a threat in Bloemfontein.

Verdict: Cheetahs on the minus

The Cheetahs will rack up a big score on Saturday. Wait for the handicap and climb on. 

Western Province 17/10 | Draw 22/1 | Blue Bulls 5/10

In the clash of the round, in Cape Town, WP open their account with many club players expected to be selected. With the likes of regular Stormer Jean-Luc du Plessis also set to turn out in the blue and white hoops though, there will be plenty of experience for the team to call on.

Blue Bulls coach Phiwe Nomlomo has named former Bok Nizaam Carr as his captain for the campaign, as the men from Pretoria look to claim what would be a tone-setting victory in the Cape. After another URC final loss, there could be some added impetus shown from the men from Pretoria this weekend.

Verdict: Western Province

At 17/10, get on WP to start their season on a high.