The Currie Cup traces its first matches back to 1889, making it the oldest provincial rugby competition in the world. That history carries into its 88th edition this weekend, when the Premier Division and First Division both spring into action.
Suzuki Griquas start the defence of their title away from home, facing a DHL Stormers XXIII side under new head coach Tom Dawson-Squibb at DHL Stadium on Friday. Griquas have lost just twice in 14 matches this season and beat these opponents 47-17 last time out in Kimberley.
Friday’s action opens earlier at Mbombela Stadium, where Jimmy Stonehouse’s Airlink Pumas host the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV. Mike Vowles takes his first game in charge of the Sharks, stepping up after years coaching the union’s age-grade sides.
Sunday brings the weekend’s headline storyline. Faf de Klerk makes his first appearance for the Toyota Cheetahs since signing from Yokohama Canon Eagles, lining up at scrumhalf against the Fidelity ADT Lions in Bloemfontein. Frans Steyn’s side beat the Lions 47-31 in last year’s corresponding fixture.
Sunday’s other Premier Division game sends the Vodacom Bulls XV to Boland Stadium, where Hawies Fourie’s Sanlam Boland Kavaliers will look to repeat last year’s 28-20 win over Phiwe Nomlomo’s side.
Saturday belongs to the First Division semi-finals. Eastern Province, under former Springbok coach Allister Coetzee, host JP Immelman’s Valke in Gqeberha.
In George, Heyneke Meyer’s Dotsure SWD Eagles — who topped the standings after five rounds despite a narrow loss to EP last time out — face Riaan van Straten’s Leopards for a place in the final.
“You don’t get a competition running since 1889 without teams that know how to show up when it matters. This weekend has that written all over it!” – 🎙️Jay
MATCH INFORMATION
Carling Currie Cup Premier Division
Airlink Pumas vs Hollywoodbets Sharks XV
Friday, 17 July — Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit — 17h00
Referee: Juan de Bod
Broadcast: SuperSport
DHL Stormers XXIII vs Suzuki Griquas
Friday, 17 July — DHL Stadium, Cape Town — 19h05
Referee: Stephan Geldenhuys
Broadcast: SuperSport
Toyota Cheetahs vs Fidelity ADT Lions
Sunday, 19 July — Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein — 13h00
Referee: Dylen November
Broadcast: SuperSport
Sanlam Boland Kavaliers vs Vodacom Bulls XV
Sunday, 19 July — Boland Stadium, Wellington — 15h05
Referee: Griffin Colby
Broadcast: SuperSport
Carling Currie Cup First Division Semi-Finals
Eastern Province vs Valke
Saturday, 18 July — NMU Madibaz Stadium, Gqeberha — 15h00
Referee: Paul Mente
Dotsure SWD Eagles vs Leopards
Saturday, 18 July — Outeniqua Park, George — 15h00
Referee: Caleb Hibbert
Broadcast: SuperSport
📸 Images via Currie Cup / Morgan Piek
