Round two of the Carling Currie Cup Premier Division arrives this weekend, and Friday’s early kick-off in Bloemfontein doubles as a genuine table-topper. Toyota Cheetahs host Hollywoodbets Sharks XV from 17h00, with Hanru van Rooyen refereeing. Both sides won tight, high-quality openers last weekend, the Sharks edging the Pumas 26-24 and the Cheetahs getting past the Lions 29-27.
The Sharks hold a 3-2 head-to-head edge over the last five meetings, but the Cheetahs won the most recent one, a 7-5 arm-wrestle in Durban last August. Faf de Klerk is a round into life at the Cheetahs now, and the Free Staters currently lead the log on points scored.
“Two unbeaten sides, top of the log, first blood in round two. This is the pick of the weekend!” – 🎙️Jay
Saturday brings the Lions back to Ellis Park looking to respond immediately after their two-point loss to the Cheetahs. Airlink Pumas are the visitors, kicking off at 15h00 under referee Griffin Colby. The Lions hold a 4-1 head-to-head advantage in this fixture, with their only defeat to the Pumas coming three years ago in Nelspruit. Last year’s meeting at Mbombela went right down to the wire, the Lions escaping with a 36-35 win.
Saturday’s second Currie Cup match sends Suzuki Griquas and Vodacom Bulls XV into Suzuki Stadium from 17h05, referee Morne Ferreira. Both sides lost on the road in round one, Griquas going down 25-19 to the Stormers and the Bulls beaten 24-10 by Boland. The defending champions won 42-21 in Pretoria last year and will start favourites in Kimberley, though a young Bulls side won’t be dismissed lightly.
The Currie Cup weekend closes in Wellington on Sunday, where Sanlam Boland Kavaliers host DHL Stormers XXIII from 15h00 under AJ Jacobs. Both sides are unbeaten and chasing a second straight win, currently sitting third and fourth on the log. The Stormers won by 22 points when the sides met in Cape Town last year, but Boland will have a packed home crowd behind them for the return leg.
MATCH INFORMATION
Carling Currie Cup Premier Division
Toyota Cheetahs vs Hollywoodbets Sharks XV
Friday, 24 July — Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein — 17h00
Referee: Hanru van Rooyen
Broadcast: SuperSport
Fidelity ADT Lions vs Airlink Pumas
Saturday, 25 July — Ellis Park, Johannesburg — 15h00
Referee: Griffin Colby
Broadcast: SuperSport
Suzuki Griquas vs Vodacom Bulls XV
Saturday, 25 July — Suzuki Stadium, Kimberley — 17h05
Referee: Morne Ferreira
Broadcast: SuperSport
Sanlam Boland Kavaliers vs DHL Stormers XXIII
Sunday, 26 July — Boland Stadium, Wellington — 15h00
Referee: AJ Jacobs
Broadcast: SuperSport
📸 Images via Toyota Cheetahs / SA Rugby
