Talking points for this weekend’s Currie Cup action
The Blue Bulls shouldn't overthink their trip to Bloem, the gritty Pumas control their future and the Lions are in a win-win situation.
John Mitchell wants his Blue Bulls to worry about themselves, not the Cheetahs. Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images.
For the past few weeks, the build-up to a round of Currie Cup fixtures has sounded like a broken record.
Anyone hoping for a different general theme this weekend will be disappointed because it hasn’t changed.
The high-flying Sharks, who have a bye, are sitting relaxed in beach chairs, checking out how everyone else is scrapping for a spot in the semifinals.
And it really is tight in that regard…
Here are the talking points for the weekend.
Blue Bulls shouldn’t overthink their trip to Bloem
Earlier this week, coach John Mitchell was adamant his troops and him aren’t thinking too much about their opponents, the Free State Cheetahs.
The official reason was that a young side is really more focused on continued improvement than Currie Cup glory.
Unofficially, it’s also better not to think too much about the Cheetahs because you don’t know what to expect.
The weakened home side has tailed off badly since the Pro14 has robbed them of their stars.
As a result, they’ve been poor away but managed a surprise home win over the Pumas two weeks ago.
Then they lost 59-24 to Griquas.
Talk about seesawing.
The Cheetahs have the incentive of booking their place in the semis with a win, so while the Bulls will fancy their chances they should be wary.
Pumas have their destiny in their own hands (to an extent)
In 2014, the Pumas looked potential like potential semifinalists before poor form in the latter stages cost them badly.
Three years later, a perhaps less talented but seemingly more spirited outfit are in the same position.
And in this instance, the men from Mbombela can boost their chances of a top-four finish significantly with a winnable game on Saturday.
Yes, Griquas are just a cheery after a fine win over Free State last weekend but the Pumas have home ground advantage.
Surely this would be the time for them to show their credentials.
They wouldn’t want Loftus next week to be their must-win match.
It’s the bigger picture now for the Lions
In many ways, Swys de Bruin and his young Lions are in a comfortable position.
He’s picked seven Under-21 players in his starting line-up for Sunday’s meeting with Western Province at Ellis Park.
It’s clearly an exercise in gauging and developing depth for next year’s Super Rugby tournament.
However, should they win they’re still very much in the top-four race.
It’s actually a win-win form them.
But Province, who continue with the gifted Damian Willemse at fullback, are surely still favourites given their superior experience.
Fixtures: Free State Cheetahs v Blue Bulls (Friday, 6.00pm); Pumas v Griquas (Saturday, 2.00pm); Lions v Western Province (Sunday, 2.30pm)
