The Suzuki Griquas face a crucial challenge this Sunday against the NovaVit Griffons, with only one victory in their last six matches. They'll need to bring their best effort to turn the tide. Picture: Danie van der Lith
The Carling Currie Cup continues this weekend with four thrilling Premier Division fixtures on the cards.
Log leaders, the Vodacom Bulls, will be aiming to maintain their unbeaten streak as they travel to Nelspruit for a clash against the Airlink Pumas on Friday. The 5.15pm kickoff at Mbombela Stadium marks the Bulls’ first visit since their 2021 defeat, setting the stage for an intense battle as they look to solidify their position at the top of the table.
The Bulls currently sit comfortably at the summit with 26 league points, thanks to five wins and a draw.
They hold a narrow three-point lead over the Fidelity ADT Lions and Toyota Cheetahs, who are locked in a fierce race for second place and the right to host a semi-final.
Meanwhile, the Pumas, the 2022 champions, have had a mixed season with three wins and a draw, placing them fourth on the log with 18 points. Despite their inconsistency, the Pumas remain formidable at home, making this clash a must-watch.
The excitement continues in the #CarlingCurrieCup. Who are you backing to claim victory this weekend? 👇 Let us know in the comments. #WhereChampionsRise pic.twitter.com/QpgUmMnHRa
— The Carling Currie Cup (@TheCurrieCup) August 15, 2024
Saturday promises more action with two key fixtures. The second-placed Lions host DHL Western Province at 3pm in Johannesburg. The Lions have been in fine form, and with nine points separating them from their Cape Town rivals, they are favoured to secure a vital victory at Emirates Airline Park.
Western Province, however, are desperate for a win after last week's home defeat to the Cheetahs, which put their semi-final hopes in jeopardy.
Later on Saturday evening, the Cheetahs will welcome the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV to Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein at 5.15pm. The Sharks, after a shaky start to the season, have hit their stride with a draw and two impressive wins, including a dominant 40-21 victory over the Suzuki Griquas last week.
Saturday night’s match is crucial for both teams, as the Cheetahs aim to secure a home semi-final and the Sharks push for a top-four finish.
The weekend's action concludes on Sunday with a Central South African derby between the NovaVit Griffons and Griquas at Down Touch Investments Stadium in Welkom.
The Griffons, showing flashes of brilliance this season, will see this as a must-win game to boost their campaign, while the Griquas, who have only managed one win in six matches, are desperate for a turnaround in form under coach Pieter Bergh.
With just four rounds remaining before the semi-finals, every match counts as the teams vie for a place in the top four. The race for the semi-finals is heating up, and this weekend’s matches could prove decisive in shaping the final standings.
Match Information:
Airlink Pumas vs Vodacom Bulls
Date: Friday, 16 August
Venue: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Time: 5.15pm
Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni
TV: SS Rugby
Fidelity ADT Lions vs DHL Western Province
Date: Saturday, 17 August
Venue: Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
Time: 3pm
Referee: Hanru van Rooyen
TV: SS Rugby
Toyota Cheetahs vs Hollywoodbets Sharks XV
Date: Saturday, 17 August
Venue: Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein
Time: 5.15pm
Referee: Peter Martin (IRFU)
TV: SS Rugby
NovaVit Griffons vs Suzuki Griquas
Date: Sunday, 18 August
Venue: Down Touch Investments Stadium, Welkom
Time: 3pm
Referee: Morne Ferreira
TV: SS Rugby
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