It’s final round of league play in this year’s Currie Cup, with the Golden Lions and Sharks looking to secure their place in the last four today. The Blue Bulls, who have a bye, and the log-topping Free State Cheetahs are already guaranteed of their places in the semi-finals. Here Jacques van der Westhuyzen previews the weekend’s games
Today in Johannesburg, Lions v Sharks, 5pm
Whoever comes out with five points will qualify for the play-offs, but it could also come down to bonus points with only three points separating the third-placed Sharks (25), fourth-placed Western Province (23) and fifth-placed Lions (22).
The losers at Ellis Park are likely to miss out as WP are favourites to topple neighbours Boland, so there’s everything to play for come this afternoon.
Lions coach Johan Ackermann has opted to start without Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx, who’s on the bench, while centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg is back in the starting XV.
For the Sharks, Lwazi Mvovo returns on the wing, while Bok prop Lourens Adriaanse is also set to start. Keegan Daniel is back in the mix and will captain the team from No 8.
Lions: Andries Coetzee, Koch Marx, Jacques Nel, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Anthony Volmink, Jaco van der Walt, Ross Cronje, Ruaan Lerm, Ruan Ackermann, Kwagga Smith (capt), Bobby de Wee, JP du Preez, Ruan Dreyer, Robbie Coetzee, Dylan Smith. Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Jacques van Rooyen, Fabian Booysen, Cyle Brink, Dillon Smit, Howard Mnisi, Sylvian Mahuza
Sharks: Curwin Bosch, Rhyno Smith, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Lwazi Mvovo, Inny Radebe, Michael Claassens, Keegan Daniel (capt), Jean-Luc du Preez, Francois Kleinhans, Ruan Botha, Etienne Oosthuizen, Lourens Adriaanse, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Thomas du Toit. Replacements: Franco Marais, John-Hubert Meyer, Stephan Lewies/Jean Droste, Khaya Majola, Stefan Ungerer, Garth April, Wandile Mjekevu
Today in Port Elizabeth, EP Kings v Pumas, 6pm
It’s the battle to avoid the wooden spoon at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium as the winless Kings host the Pumas, who’ve also failed to win this year but have managed five losing bonus points.
It’s the match the beleaguered Kings will look towards to finally get a win, but if truth be told, the Pumas should come out on top and bag their only victory.
With both teams’ defences brittle, this should be an entertaining affair, but don’t expect too much quality rugby.
Today in Cape Town, Western Province v Boland, 7pm
The best WP can do is finish third, even if they hammer Boland, which should happen considering the strength of the teams and the fact there seems to be unhappiness in the Cavaliers ranks. Their director of rugby, Alan Zondagh, quit this week so WP will be licking their lips at taking on their neighbours.
Boosted by the inclusion of discarded Bok centre Damian de Allende, the home team boast a powerful back division and confidence will be high after their impressive win in Kimberley a week ago.
Tomorrow in Bloemfontein, Cheetahs v Griquas, 2pm
The Cheetahs go into the final round of league matches as the only unbeaten team and it’s likely to stay that way after this weekend.
They’re likely to be pushed hard by Griquas, who always seem to lift their game for the match against the men from Bloemfontein, but coach Franco Smith and his team are on a mission in the Currie Cup and are unlikely to be stopped.
Griquas, with four wins, have an outside chance of making the play-offs, but then they’d have to win well tomorrow and both the Lions and Western Province would have to lose for them to progress to the last four.
The Star