PREVIEW: Bulls, Sharks clash in tantalising Currie Cup final

Currie Cup final
Bulls v Sharks
Saturday 11 September
17h00
Loftus Versfeld

To Win (80 mins)

Bulls 1/4
Draw 30/1
Sharks 3/1

Handicap

Bulls (-9.5) 17/20 
Sharks (+9.5) 17/20

The Bulls host the Sharks in the Currie Cup final at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

It’s the second time this year this fixture makes up the final, with the Bulls triumphing 26-19 at Loftus after extra time in January in the 2020-21 decider.

Jake White’s men are heavily favoured here after another sparkling campaign that saw them win eight times out of 12. They’ve been the standout South African side since the 2007 World Cup-winning coach took over at the helm, guiding them to the Super Rugby Unlocked title and the Rainbow Cup final to go with their Currie Cup crown. They now have a chance to go back-to-back.

Johan Goosen’s covid-enforced absence is unquestionably a massive blow to the side. The 29-year-old has been a class apart in the Bok-less competition, and his performance in the Bulls’ 48-31 semi-final win over Western Province was simply superb.

That said, with names like skipper Marcell Coetzee, Cornal Hendriks and Ruan Nortje, they aren’t exactly lacking quality.

The Sharks have been buoyed by Thomas du Toit’s selection at tighthead prop in a virtually full-strength team.

On the highveld, the boots of Lionel Cronje, Curwin Bosch and Sanele Nohamba will be crucial for the Durbanites. Sean Everitt’s men won 35-28 at Kings Park in August but will need an almighty showing to topple the defending champions at altitude.

Verdict: Sharks 3/1

In the absence of Goosen, back the Sharks to spring a surprise and claim a ninth Currie Cup crown. Alternatively, back them to stay within a very generous 9.5-point handicap.