In the sixth round of Currie Cup action, the Hollywoodbets Sharks welcome Griquas to Durban, while the Pumas are in Joburg, the Griffons travel to Pretoria and the Cheetahs are in the Cape.
Saturday 10 August
Golden Lions 1/3 | Draw 22/1 | Pumas 24/10 (15:00)
The Lions are third, level on 18 points with the Cheetahs (second) and their fourth-placed opponents this week. Mziwakhe Nkosi’s troops come off the back of an eight-point victory in Kimberley and will draw inspiration from the 75-21 Mbombela win they achieved in the reverse fixture in round two.
Pumas are a good side and enjoyed many fine moments in their thrilling 44-44 draw with the Sharks last week, but a win on the highveld will be a tough ask. The Lions cut them to shreds in their earlier encounter and they’ll need a huge improvement to turn the tide on Saturday.
Verdict: Lions to clear handicap
Get on the hosts to put more breathing room between themselves and Jimmy Stonehouse’s men.
Blue Bulls 1/100 | Draw 40/1 | Griffons 14/1 (17:05)
The Bulls rescued a 34-34 draw with the Cheetahs last week but disappointingly let a 21-point lead slip in what could have been a defining moment in the race for top spot. As things are, they remain No 1, but sit just three points better off the reigning champs. They should pick up a full house of five here to advance their cause.
The Griffons have displayed tremendous staying power after a disastrous start to their campaign but will be hard-pressed to prevent a similar result to the 42-point loss they suffered in the reverse fixture.
Verdict: Bulls on the minus
The home side to do the business at Loftus.
Western Province 29/20 | Draw 25/1 | Free State Cheetahs 11/20 (19:10)
WP fell by 20 points in the Bloemfontein reverse clash and will be in for another stern examination on Saturday. Although they come into this one after a solid win over Griffons, this young side will need to play beyond themselves to get a result over the Cheetahs, even in the Mother City.
The Free Staters will feel somewhat aggrieved at not having completed their comeback against the Bulls in round five, but there’s every reason to believe they can still haul back the log deficit in their remaining fixtures. They should collect another win at Cape Town Stadium to help them do that.
Verdict: Cheetahs to win
Get on the visitors to keep up the heat on the Bulls with another victory here.
Sunday 11 August
Hollywoodbets Sharks 9/20 | Draw 25/1 | Griquas 7/4 (15:00)
Slow start aside, the Hollywoodbets Sharks showed real guts and determination to claw their way back into last week’s Pumas game; qualities which will bode them well for the remainder of the season given how much work they have to do. Currently sixth, six points off the play-off spots, JP Pietersen’s side must act fast if they are to keep alive their title chances.
Unfortunately Griquas are effectively down and out, with their fourth loss to the Lions in Kimberley last week meaning they’re 10 points adrift of the top four. Although they secured a thrilling win in Durban in the reverse fixture, they could feel the brunt of a Sharks outfit hitting their stride on Sunday.
Verdict: Sharks on the minus
The hosts to take all five-points on offer this weekend.
