Currie Cup Predictions – Round 2

Home teams will be looking to hold court in the second round of the Currie Cup this weekend after the opening round was dominated by away sides, writes Quintin van Jaarsveld.

The Pumas, Lions and Bulls all began their campaigns with wins on the road, with the defending champion Cheetahs the only team to make the most of home-ground advantage last weekend.

Two matches on Friday will see Griquas and the Sharks XV collide in Kimberley and the Pumas and Lions face off in Nelspruit.

The pick of the weekend’s games takes place in Bloemfontein on Saturday, where the Cheetahs take on Western Province, with the round coming to an end in Welkom on Sunday, where the Griffons battle the Bulls.

International Rugby Predictions – Tips For The Weekend’s Key Clashes

Griquas v Sharks XV

Friday, 12 July – 15:00

Both sides will be looking to get off the mark after suffering home losses last weekend.

Griquas were sloppy and misfired in the set pieces in their 44-24 drubbing by the Pumas, which came as a shock after their unbeaten run to SA Cup glory going into the Currie Cup. The only positive for the Peacock Blues was Mnombo Zwelendaba’s outstanding performance at inside centre.

The Sharks started well against the Lions, scoring two early tries to go up 10-3, but relinquished the lead by halftime. Still, they could and should have won it at the death with veteran Lionel Cronje missing a simple conversion of new captain Nick Hatton’s try.

The Durbanites had soft moments on defence in the 26-25 defeat but did show promise, so this one is tough to call. Kimberley remains a tough place to go to and win and I expect Griquas to lift their game and get the result due to greater cohesion.

Prediction: Griquas by 3.

Pumas v Lions

Friday, 12 July – 17:15

Next up is a compelling catfight in Nelspruit.

The Pumas were terrific as they made their title intentions clear with their 20-point win over Griquas. They showcased power up front and fluidity in the backline, were excellent at the breakdown and Clinton Swart’s game management was top-notch.

The Lions showed their typical fight as they edged the Sharks despite being outscored four tries to three. Their win was a case of taking their opportunities and Kade Wolhuter punishing the Durbanites for their ill-discipline.

As a settled side, the Pumas have the edge and should give their home fans plenty to cheer about.

Prediction: Pumas by 7.

Cheetahs v Western Province

Saturday, 13 July – 13:30

The Cheetahs laid down a serious marker with their 80-22 annihilation of the Griffons and showed exactly why they’re widely tipped to retain the title.

The one aspect of their game the Bloemfontein team will look to improve is their discipline after they conceded two yellow cards in the Free State derby.

Western Province were overpowered and outplayed tactically in the rain by the Bulls in their 30-25 home loss. The scoreline flattered the Capetonians as they scored two tries in the last five minutes and I don’t see them troubling the well-oiled Cheetahs.

Prediction: Cheetahs by 14.

Griffons v Bulls

Sunday, 14 July – 15:00

The Bulls will be wary of the Griffons despite the latter’s lashing by the Cheetahs last weekend because of what happened on their last visit to Welkom.

That fateful day saw the Griffons stun the vaunted visitors 32-28 for what proved to be their only win of the 2023 campaign.

There will be no repeat of this come Sunday as the Bulls will be switched on and have way too much class and firepower.

Prediction: Bulls by at least 28.