Currie Cup: All you need to know

Four titanic battles that will shape the final Currie Cup standings will be staged this weekend starting on Friday.

Seven teams remain in the running for the semi-finals with four rounds to play. Very little separates the three sides at top of the log, while the race for fourth position is wide open.

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Currie Cup underdogs thriving

The Cheetahs and the Pumas – two teams that have set the pace for much of the tournament – will be desperate to bounce back after their respective losses in the 10^th round. The defending champions from Mpumalanga will travel to Cape Town this Friday in search of a win that may elevate them to the top of the standings.

Western Province will be out for revenge, after losing to thePumas earlier in the season. A win for the Capetonians would consolidate their position in the top four and keep the chasing pack – the Lions, Griquas and Bulls – at arm’s length.

One of the biggest clashes of the round sees the Cheetahs travelling east to tackle the Sharks. The Durbanites made a statement when they downed the defending champions last week, and could strengthen their bid for a home semi-final with a further win against the men from Bloemfontein.

Griffons have work to do

The Griffons have improved steadily over the course of the season and have claimed bonus points from their recent losses to WP and the Pumas. Griquas will need to be at their best if they are going to secure valuable log points from the visit to Welkom this Saturday. A big win for the men from Kimberley may be enough to earn them a place in the top four – providing that other results go their way.

The Jukskei Derby on Saturday will be particularly important. The Bulls have built up some momentum since beating Griquas last week. They need to keep winning, though, if they hope to qualify for the playoffs.

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The Lions should be equally desperate when they host their Gauteng neighbours. They’re coming off an important win against the Cheetahs, and another victory may strengthen their position – fifth – in the standings. A loss, however, could see them slipping down to seventh place.

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