Cheetahs vs Sharks: Preview and Predictions 

The Toyota Cheetahs and Hollywoodbets Sharks meet in Bloemfontein on Friday night in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of Round 2 in the 2026 Carling Currie Cup Premier Division.  

Both sides kicked off their campaigns with victories and sit at the top of the standings on five points after claiming bonus-point wins in their opening matches. The Cheetahs won 29-27 against the Lions, while the Sharks won 26-24 against the Pumas.  

With early momentum on the line, another victory could give both teams an advantage for the upcoming matches. Expect a fast-paced encounter between two sides that know how important every log point becomes later in the season. 

Why This Match Matters So Much   

It’s still early in the competition, but this is already a clash between two genuine title contenders. Both teams showed plenty of attacking intent in Round 1, collecting maximum points despite being pushed all the way by their opposition.  

For the Cheetahs, home advantage at Toyota Stadium is a bonus. They have traditionally been difficult to beat in Bloemfontein and will be looking to build on that after beating the Lions. 

The Sharks, meanwhile, demonstrated plenty of resilience by winning away against the Pumas. Another win would strengthen their credentials as one of the favourites to lift the Currie Cup later this season. 

Tactical Overview  

The Cheetahs thrive when the tempo increases. They like to move the ball quickly, challenge defenders out wide, and use their pace in broken play. Their forwards laid a solid platform in Round 1, allowing their backs to attack. 

The Sharks will likely take a more balanced approach. Their forward pack has the physicality to dominate collisions. Their backs have enough finishing ability to punish defensive mistakes. They showed against the Pumas that they can absorb pressure before striking when opportunities appear.  

Discipline could prove decisive. Both opening-round matches were decided by only two points. This highlights how costly penalties and missed opportunities can be in tightly contested Currie Cup fixtures. 

Players to Watch  

Faf de Klerk (Cheetahs)  

The Cheetahs welcomed Springbok star Faf de Klerk to their team. Playing scrumhalf, de Klerk is a player that can hold his own. He is able to pass the ball quickly and control the pace of the game. Not to mention he is known to throw key passes and kick with accuracy.

Lyle Matthews (Sharks)  

Scoring three tries in the last match, Lyle Matthews is certainly a player to watch. Playing left wing, Matthews is known for his speed and agility. He plays fast and makes decisions faster. Give him even a small gap, and he’s capable of producing a game-changing moment.

Starting Lineup (Cheetahs)  

1. Tielman Nieuwoudt 

2. Marko JV Rensburg 

3. Aranos Coetzee 

4. Victor Sekekete 

5. Curtly Thomas 

6. Ramon Uys 

7. Juan Venter 

8. Neels Volschenk 

9. Faf de Klerk 

10. Jaco VD Walt 

11. Prince Nkabinde 

12. Zander du Plessis 

13. Munier Hartzenberg 

14. Michael Annies 

15. Clayton Blommetjies 

Replacements 

16. Juan Small 

17. Tebogo Nkosi 

18. Ben Pitout 

19. Simon Miller 

20. Sisonke Vumazonke 

21. Daniel Maartens 

22. Marco Janse van Vuuren 

23. Henry Immelman  

Starting Lineup (Sharks)  

1. Cameron Dawson 

2. Kerron van Vuuren 

3. Simphiwe Ngobese 

4. Johan Momsen 

5. Deon Slabbert 

6. Wilem van den Hever 

7. Danilo Bota 

8. Thomas Dyer (C) 

9. Ross Braude 

10. Tim Swiel 

11. Lyle Matthews 

12. Janco Purchase 

13. Marnus Potgieter 

14. Christie Grobbler  

15. Chijindu Okonta 

Replacements  

16. Bryce Calvert  

17. Jaco du Toit 

18. Lee-Marvin Mazibuko 

19. Sipho Nonyalela 

20. Hanu Pieterse 

21. Ceano Everson 

22. Chris Horak 

23. Matthew Fortuin   

Match Details  

Date: 24 July 2026  

Venue: Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein 

Kick-off Time: 19:00pm  

TV: SuperSport  

Prediction  

This has all the ingredients for another close Currie Cup match. The Sharks possess the power to trouble any side, but the Cheetahs’ attacking style and home-ground advantage could prove to be the difference in a match that is likely to go down to the final minutes. 

Prediction: Cheetahs to win 

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