Currie Cup Predictions – Round 3

Two of the three unbeaten teams in the Currie Cup will go head-to-head when the Bulls host the Cheetahs in the pick of the third-round fixtures at Loftus Versfeld on Friday, writes Quintin van Jaarsveld.

The clash in Pretoria is one of three matches taking place on Friday. The other undefeated outfit, the Lions, will kick off the action against Griquas at Ellis Park, with the Pumas set to go up against the Sharks XV in Nelspruit.

The round will draw to a close in Welkom on Sunday, where the Griffons tackle Western Province.

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

Lions v Griquas

Friday, 19 July – 15:00

The Lions were feral beasts last weekend as they ripped the Pumas to pieces in a 75-21 mauling to follow up their one-point win in Durban.

Ultra-clinical, they showed what they’re capable of as they fired on all cylinders to race into a 16-point lead in as many minutes and led 35-7 at halftime. They pounced on just about every opportunity and Junior Springbok Sam Francis had a dream debut in the No. 10 jersey, scoring no less than 30 points.

After going down to the selfsame Pumas in Round One, Griquas showed character in their second-half comeback against the Springbok-boosted Sharks last weekend with Lubabalo Dobela slotting the last-gasp match-winning penalty goal.

They’ll look to disrupt the Lions’ lineout the same way they did the Sharks’ but the big work-on for the men from Kimberley is to plug the many holes in their defence. The log-leading Lions will be extra fired up in their first home game and will find those openings to make it three from three.

Bulls v Cheetahs

Friday, 19 July – 17:00

It’s a big-time clash at Loftus where someone’s 0 has to go.

As expected, the Bulls made light work of the Griffons last Sunday, triumphing 52-10. Nevertheless, they wouldn’t have been overly pleased with the performance as they let their foot off the gas in the second half. Their penalty count was also too high in the second 40.

They were sharp in the first frame to put the result out of doubt and put to bed the nightmares of last year’s trip to Welkom, but they’ll know nothing, but an 80-minute effort will do against the defending champions, especially given the manner of the Cheetahs’ victory over Western Province the previous day.

Tied 10-all at the break, the Free Staters pulled away in the second half, scoring four tries to add to the one they scored in the first 40 to run out 37-17 victors. Abrasive with ball in hand with impressive physicality, line speed and unity on defence, they’re looking the business, with their second-half scrum dominance further highlighting their depth.

The Loftus factor remains legit despite the Glasgow Warriors’ triumph in the United Rugby Championship final, however, I’m tipping the Cheetahs to pip it with their greater cohesion.

Pumas v Sharks XV

Friday, 19 July – 19:00

Which Pumas team will pitch up, the one that romped to victory over Griquas on the road or the one lashed by the Lions at home last weekend? That’s the big question when it comes to Friday evening’s encounter.

The 2022 champions were ill-disciplined in the first quarter and took 22 minutes to get a foothold in the game. They had no answers for the lethal Lions and owe it to themselves and their fans to put forth a much-improved performance here.

Bolstered by half a dozen Springboks, the Sharks fell into the trap of counting their chickens before they hatched after scoring three tries to lead 17-0 in Kimberley last weekend. A 24-7 halftime lead ended up in a 34-31 defeat, their second in a row, as they continue to go through growing pains.   

It’s a tricky one to call considering the early erratic nature of the Pumas. As poor as they were last weekend, they simply weren’t at the races and I’m expecting the real Pumas to stand up and redeem themselves.

Griffons v Western Province

Sunday, 21 July – 15:00

Sure, the Griffons suffered their second successive heavy defeat last Sunday, but it was an improvement on their opening-round effort. Plenty of issues remain, though.

In addition to their defensive woes, they need to ask more questions on attack. The Bulls easily contained their one-off runners, while they got themselves isolated far too often, which resulted in turnovers.

Western Province are also still winless, their 20-point loss in Bloemfontein last weekend following a first-round defeat to arch-rivals the Bulls in monsoon-like conditions at home.

After a good first 40, they simply couldn’t match the Free Staters’ depth in the second half and the shoe will be on the other foot this time with the Griffons set to be outclassed.