Currie Cup Predictions – Round 1

While no longer the be-all and end-all of South African rugby, the Currie Cup plays a pivotal role in unearthing and developing young stars and is always high in entertainment value.

This year, less is more with just a single round of league action before the playoffs. Thus, the eight teams will play only seven games each, raising the intrigue and reducing the margin for error. 

Getting the title race underway is a clash between the Pumas and Griquas in Nelspruit on Friday night.

Saturday sees a repeat of last year’s final as the Lions host the Sharks at Ellis Park, plus the always gripping North-South derby between Western Province and the Bulls in Cape Town.

And finally, the Boland Cavaliers mark their return to the big league against the Cheetahs in Wellington on Sunday afternoon.

Pumas v Griquas

Friday, July 25 – 19:00

The Springboks ran in nine tries in their 55-10 victory over Georgia at Mbombela Stadium last weekend, and fans who make their way to the venue on Friday night are in for more oval ball entertainment.

The rivalry between these two teams has kicked into overdrive in recent years, and it’s the Pumas who’ve prevailed when it mattered most. The Lowvelders famously pipped the Peacock Blues 26-19 in the 2022 final in Kimberley to clinch their first-ever title, and in May, they triumphed 39-14 in a home final to win their maiden SA Cup title.

The men from Nelspruit, who have talisman Willie Engelbrecht back in their ranks, enjoyed an unbeaten SA Cup campaign and should ride that wave of momentum to a win in the season opener.

Prediction: Pumas by 12.

Lions v Sharks XV

Saturday, 26 July – 15:00

The Lions will be out for revenge after the Sharks snatched the title away from them in the most heartbreaking of fashions last season.

The Pride, who had topped the table at the end of the regular season and had beaten the Cheetahs 43-34 in the semi-final, were seconds away from glory in their home final only for Sharks XV flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse to slot a last-gasp 60-metre penalty goal to claim a 16-14 win for the Durban outfit.  

Both franchises have a heap of talented youngsters and a few seasoned campaigners to push for the honours again this season, but with home ground advantage, the edge goes to the Lions on Saturday.

Prediction: Lions by 2.

Western Province v Bulls

Saturday, 26 July – 17:00

Even though this encounter doesn’t have the big-name battles of classic North-South derbies, it’s sure to be the most physically intense game of the opening round.

Many new rivalries will be born on the Cape Town pitch on Saturday, and the fact that former Province ace Nama Xaba has been named as captain of the Bulls this season will spice things up even more.

Province haven’t qualified for the playoffs since 2021. They finished sixth in 2022, fifth in 2023, and seventh last season, so their supporters will be hoping new coach Labeeb Levy can guide the side back to the semi-finals.

The Bulls have a very young squad, but I like the veterans they’ve included in the group. Because of that, I sense Phiwe Nomlomo’s men will pick up a valuable away victory.

Prediction: Bulls by 5.

Boland Cavaliers v Cheetahs

Sunday, 27 July – 15:00

Two teams with a point to prove will wrap up the opening round in Wellington.

The Boland Cavaliers are back on the big stage for the first time since 2016, replacing the Griffons following the conclusion of the SA Cup. Coached by former Cheetahs mentor Hawies Fourie, Boland mean business and are eager to show that they belong.

Meanwhile, the Cheetahs have their eyes set on the cherished silverware and are desperate to force their way into the United Rugby Championship or Super Rugby Pacific. Fresh off a famous win over Georgia, the Free Staters should rain on the Cavaliers’ parade.

Prediction: Cheetahs by 7.