Currie Cup Predictions – Round 5

Kicking things off, the Pumas will have to be at their best if they want to stop the oncoming Boland Kavaliers in Nelspruit on Friday afternoon, while the two winless sides in the competition will collide in the evening game in Durban, where the Sharks XV host Western Province.

The Cheetahs have a tough test against the Lions in Bloemfontein on Saturday, and a desperate Bulls outfit battle Griquas at Tuine-Grizzlies Rugby Club on Sunday.

Pumas v Boland Kavaliers

Much like the Springboks, the Pumas were guilty of trying to play too much rugby against the Lions last Saturday, and it cost them.

The first half was a basketball-like shootout and saw the sides head into the sheds tied at 21-all. For all their possession and multi-phase attacks, the Lowvelders should have been in front at that point, and things went pear-shaped in the third quarter, with late tries making the 36-35 scoreline in the visitors’ favour more flattering to the hosts than it actually was.

The Kavaliers, meanwhile, continued their giant-killing ways with a 28-20 win over the Bulls last Sunday to move up to second place in the standings. They truly are a joy to watch, and as much as they have flair, it was the firepower of the forwards that got them over the line against the men from Pretoria.

That said, Boland’s only defeat thus far came away to Griquas (48-39). Without the support of their home fans, and given the short turnaround, Hawies Fourie’s troops will likely fall short in Nelspruit.

Prediction: Pumas by 9.

Sharks XV v Western Province

Friday, 22 August – 19:10

The Durban duel is a dance of the desperadoes as the tournament’s two winless teams collide.

Both teams have steadily improved since their blowouts in the first two rounds. While neither will make the playoffs, much is still at stake on Friday, as the losers of this one will likely finish with the wooden spoon.

With an injection of more Under-20 World Championship-winning Junior Springboks, Western Province provided the Cheetahs with a proper test in Bloemfontein, ultimately going down 31-24. However, I’ve seen more positives from the Sharks over the last two rounds.

Following their 7-5 loss to the Cheetahs, they came out with more energy and a higher work rate to win the scraps against Griquas last Friday and led 10-7 at the break. Their physicality was up several notches, but indiscipline did them in, as three yellow cards cost them three tries and a 26-17 defeat.

It could go either way, but I’m backing the home team to pip it.

Prediction: Sharks by 3.

Cheetahs v Lions

Saturday, 23 August – 14:00

The Cheetahs climbed to the top of the log thanks to their seven-point win over Western Province last Saturday, and they’ll be determined to stay there. They face a stiff challenge in the third-placed Lions, who are hunting their second successive away win after their one-point triumph in Nelspruit last Saturday.

Like the Sharks, ill-discipline was the Free Staters’ biggest issue against Province, as they conceded three yellow cards and finished the game with 13 men. They can ill-afford that against the lethal Lions, so expect them to be more responsible.

The Lions showed character against the Pumas to bounce back from their shock loss in Wellington the previous round. Tied at the break, the Pride’s ability to switch into a higher gear, good conversion rate, and tactical nous allowed them to build a 15-point lead before the hosts replied with two converted tries.

This is another tough one to call, but the Cheetahs are on a roll with three straight victories, and as long as they are more disciplined and target the Lions’ shaky lineout, they should edge it.    

Prediction: Cheetahs by 2.

Bulls v Griquas

Sunday, 24 August – 15:00

After looking invincible in the first two rounds, the Bulls suddenly find themselves on a two-match skid and down in sixth place, two spots behind Griquas. 

In a close clash like last Sunday’s showdown in Wellington, you’d think the more seasoned side – in this case, the Bulls – would use their experience to close out the game.

Instead, a lack of composure led to them not only losing, but coming away empty-handed after turning down a late kickable penalty to selvedge a bonus point. They need to be both smarter and sharper.

Griquas made it a hat-trick of home wins with a nine-point triumph over the Sharks XV last Friday. While they came away with a four-try bonus point, they were far less fluent on attack than they were in their runaway wins over Boland (48-39) and Province (47-17), and will want to regain their rhythm.

With their strong scrum and powerful driving maul, the Peacock Blues will bring it, but the Bulls should get their campaign back on track.

Prediction: Bulls by 10.