Currie Cup Rugby entered week 8 of competition and most results went according to the form book, with the exception of the Bulls winning away in Bloemfontein against the Cheetahs.
Free State Cheetahs 22 Blue Bulls 31
The Bulls continued their improved performances and still have an outside chance of qualifying for a playoff spot, although they are still hampered by an extensive injury list. The Cheetahs are not the team of old and are not as confident with ball in hand, which has been their traditional strength.
Sharks 53 Eastern Province Kings 24
The flow of this game was very interesting, with the Sharks starting off like the proverbial house on fire and ending in the same fashion. In between, the Kings were fairly competitive and their scrum is proving to be a very competent. In the backs, there are some rough diamonds. This is a team in their first season together and will improve despite their winless record thus far. the Sharks were good in the first and last twenty, but they will be concerned about their inability to string together a full 80 minutes of rugby.
Griquas 8 Golden Lions 46
Going to Kimberley to play on their rock hard field is never an easy task and the Lions were seriously challenged in the first half, but unfortunately the Griquas did not have the bench strength to compete for the full eighty minutes and ended up being overwhelmed by the Lions’ fast style of play.
Pumas 23 Western Province 37
The Pumas are the real surprise package of the competition and remain in contention for a playoff spot. Jimmy Stonehouse’s reputation as a coach continues to grow and it is a question when and not if he is approached by one of the bigger unions and my money is on the Bulls. Whilst they lost to Western Province, the way the continue to play together and for each other is impressive and the magnificent Mbombela stadium is starting to become an unpopular destination for any Currie Cup side to visit.
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