Wow, are we in for a thrilling climax to this year’s Currie Cup competition. As things stand, on the penultimate weekend of the round robin fixtures, it’s still not clear who’ll finish in the top two places to ensure home semi-finals and we’ve also got no idea who’ll book third and fourth place to cement those play-off spots.
The only clarity we have is that Griquas, with 11 points, and the EP Kings, with one point, are out of the running. The other six sides still have everything to play for today and tomorrow and then next weekend.
It is, however, advantage to Western Province (34 points) and the Lions (30), who occupy places one and two in the standings, but breathing down their necks are the Sharks (25), who hold the key to the final log positions.
They face the Lions in Durban today and then Western Province next weekend and victories in both matches could still see them slip into first place, depending on some other results going their way.
There is no doubt the major match this weekend takes place in Durban tonight where the Sharks host the Lions.
A bonus point win for the Durbanites, and at the same time denying the Lions a bonus point, would see them into joint second place, with a round remaining, and all to play for on the final weekend.
A Lions victory, though, would ensure they cannot be overtaken in second place.
But they are still chasing top spot and to achieve that goal they’re not only going to have to win today, but also beat the Cheetahs, at Ellis Park next weekend, and hope Western Province come unstuck somewhere in the next eight days.
The men from Cape Town are in Bloemfontein tomorrow, knowing they cannot afford a second defeat this year, but the Cheetahs will also be going all out to win, with their play-off hopes on the line. So, like the Sharks, the Cheetahs will also have a big say in how things pan out in the next week or so.
But let’s not forget about the Pumas and Bulls. Both these sides are still in the race to make the semi-finals, with the Pumas (19) currently fourth and the Bulls (18), sixth. And, surprise, surprise, they meet in Nelspruit this evening with their respective seasons hinging on the outcome. Whoever loses will in all likelihood see their challenge end, but the winner will put themselves into a position to make the top four next week.
As already stated, only the Kimberley clash is a dead-rubber; the other three will all have huge impact on what will be at stake next Friday and Saturday when the league phase wraps up.
And, who knows, with the Rugby Championship then done and dusted, some teams may be significantly boosted with a few national players. - The Star