With our attention at the Rugby World Cup, the Currie Cup has been for the most part under the radar.
The group phase concluded last weekend. In case you haven’t watched much, here’s what you should know:
The Golden Lions won all their matches. The Sharks missed out on progressing to the semifinals by one point, after drawing their match against the Cheetahs last weekend.
This year it was a rather even group phase, with all teams winning at least one match and only 3 teams winning more than 50% of their matches.
This weekend however, we’re at the business end of the Currie Cup with the semifinals being played: Blue Bulls vs Western Province and The Golden Lions vs Free State Cheetahs.
Blue Bulls vs Western Province 16/10/2015
The defending champions will aim to make a fourth successive final when they face the Bulls at Loftus Versveld on Friday evening.
These teams have played each other twice this season, with each team winning one match. The last encounter at Newlands was won by Province 29-14.
There are a few players to look out for: Francois Hougaard is one of the more experienced players in the Bulls team and if you look at his recent form, he is the most likely to make an impact on the match. Wing Jamba Ulengo has explosive pace and this is why he is the top try scorer this season. Expect more of the same on Friday evening.
Cheslin Kolbe has shown over the past few seasons what he is capable of, dangerous with the ball and not afraid to put in the big tackles. Nizaam Carr has only missed 10 tackles this season for Western Province and can be expected to make it tough for his opposition as long as he’s on the field
These two teams are evenly matched and it is very difficult to pick a winner, but one feels Western Province have the depth to win this one.
Golden Lions vs Cheetahs 17/10/2015 13
After their 74-31 loss to the Lions earlier this season, the Cheetahs will be wary of the team from Johannesburg. The Lions have been firing on all cylinders this year and would be feeling confident going into the match.
Due to the nature of the tournament, the teams only met once in the group phase and given the result of that match, the Lions are seen as outright favourites to get through to the final.
Players to watch: Clayton Blommetjies has started to show form in his last couple of games and the Cheetahs will certainly depend on him to play well if they believe they have a shot at winning this. Captain Francois Uys will have to lead from the front and set the pace for the Cheetahs.
Looking at the Lions team, it’s hard to name one specific player; since the team is playing so well as a unit, but keep an eye on Ruan Combrinck, Franco Mostert and if he’s fit, Kwagga Smith.
It’s almost a certainty that the Lions will likely win this semi-final, but don’t expect the Cheetahs to simply sit back and take a beating.
“Main photo”
