Currie Cup Predictions – Semi-Finals

The final four are fired up to move one step closer to glory in the Currie Cup semi-finals on Saturday, writes Quintin van Jaarsveld.

And then there were four.

The table-topping Lions face the defending champion Cheetahs in the first semi-final in Johannesburg followed by the Bulls taking on the Sharks in Pretoria in the other final-four fixture.

Lions v Cheetahs

Saturday, 14 September – 14:30

The Lions are full value for finishing at the top of the log. Their youngsters, such as try-scoring machine Renzo du Plessis and halfback Nico Steyn, have been superb, their senior players have played their parts to a tee and the United Rugby Championship stars hit the ground running two weeks ago. 

Last weekend’s 62-5 thrashing of the Griffons extended their winning streak to six, with their only loss being a 35-22 defeat to the Sharks in July. Poetry in motion of attack, they have panache and punch and phenomenal interplay between forwards and backs.

When they kick, they’re accurate and adept at winning contestables in the air and boast the best defence in the competition, having conceded the least amount of tries at 31.

They are good at the breakdown and have a well-functioning lineout and driving maul. The only minor chink in their armour has been their scrum, but with their URC heavies expected to return, that shouldn’t be an issue. 

The Cheetahs showed their championship mettle to keep their title reign alive and snap a three-match losing streak in style last weekend, thumping marginal favourites the Pumas 41-14.

They’re a team that gets stronger as the game goes on. Poor starts have been their Achilles heel this season and they were slow out of the blocks again in Nelspruit, trailing 6-0 early on and forced to make 30 tackles in the first 12 minutes.

They were able to take the lead before the break, though, an improvement on the previous few weeks, and never looked back, scoring 20 points in the final quarter to storm into the semis.   

They have success when they play direct and Ethan Wentzel has been excellent in the No. 10 jersey, offering attacking prowess – particularly when it comes to his offloading game – and tactical nous.

They’d be buoyed by their defensive display last weekend, but the Lions are a different beast to the Pumas, who were predictable at best. Their driving maul fired on all cylinders while their loose trio will look to kick on after dominating the Lowvelders on the deck. 

The Lions bested the Cheetahs 38-21 in Bloemfontein last month and it’ll take a combination of an implosion on their part and a special effort on the Cheetahs’ part to deny them a place in the decider.

With their proficiency on both sides of the ball, the Lions should end the Free Staters’ reign with a bit of breathing room.

Bulls v Sharks

Saturday, 14 September – 17:15

Last Sunday’s match between these two teams at a wet and windy Durban was billed as a dress rehearsal for their semi-final showdown but one shouldn’t read too much into it. As a game of no confidence, it was a friendly of sorts.

This time, the pressure is on in Pretoria, where it’s make-or-break. The conditions will be much different as well and will suit the Bulls, who love to play a high-octane game.

The Sharks have done a sterling job turning things around from three straight losses out of the gate to a seven-match winning streak, with their 24-18 triumph last Sunday ensuring they have all the momentum going into the clash at Loftus. 

The Bulls, who were the pacesetters for most of the season, have lost their last two games, however, they still have home-ground advantage and will be quick to point out that all that matters is this weekend’s clash.

Jake White’s charges would’ve focused on their discipline after conceding two yellow cards at Kings Park, while they’ll also have to be much better under the high ball.

On the flip side, they had the better of the Sharks at the breakdown with the returning Cameron Hanekom being potent, as well as in the lineouts, and had success with their driving maul.

The Sharks will bank on their strong kicking game, power in midfield, strong scrum and ace goal-kicker Siya Masuku, who enjoyed an excellent comeback last Sunday.

Ultimately, it should come down to who dictates the pace. The Sharks aren’t one-dimensional, but they do their best work when they play a structured and methodical tactical game.

The Bulls, in turn, are more lethal (they’ve scored 54 tries to the Sharks’ 48) and should have the firepower to pull through.