Prepare for Springbok-powered collisions because the Currie Cup semi-finals look set to showcase South Africa’s fiercest provincial rivals.
The 2024 Currie Cup is poised to ship two thrillers as 4 of South Africa’s high provincial sides gear up for a shot at glory within the knockout stage of the competitors. With a number of Springboks set to take the sector, followers can anticipate a spectacle of high-intensity rugby that showcases each rising skills and seasoned internationals.
The Vodacom Bulls host the Sharks XV at Loftus Versfeld, with each groups bringing an thrilling mix of youth and expertise.
Coached by Phiwe Nomlomo, the Bulls have recalled Johan Goosen at flyhalf, whereas Nizaam Carr has joined Marcell Coetzee within the beginning again row, taking on the captaincy. Springboks Akker van der Merwe and Wilco Louw will energy the house aspect’s scrum as they appear to progress to their first closing since 2021, once they sealed back-to-back titles.
John Plumtree has taken again the reins from JP Pietersen on the Sharks, who’re chasing their fourth closing in six years and first title since 2018.
Match-again Andre Esterhuizen is amongst 5 Boks who might be in motion for the guests, joined within the backline by fullback Jordan Hendrikse, whereas Phepsi Buthelezi, Ntuthuko Mchunu and Trevor Nyakane might be within the engine room led by Vincent Tshituka.
In Johannesburg, the Lions might be aiming for his or her first Currie Cup closing since 2019 as they sq. off towards the defending champions, the Cheetahs.
Mziwakhe Nkosi’s aspect bounced again from a house loss to the Sharks to drive to a first-place end and will host the ultimate for the primary time since 2015. Welcoming again younger Boks Quan Horn and Ruan Venter, the Lions even have the expertise of Marius Louw in midfield.
The Cheetahs, in the meantime, are on a mission to defend their crown. Having gained final 12 months’s title in a dominant show, the guests superior to the playoffs this 12 months with a cushty victory over the Pumas.
Led by Victor Sekekete, the Cheetahs are stacked with expertise, together with the seasoned Oupa Mohoje and flying wing Dan Kasende.
It’s a matchup that guarantees attacking rugby, with each groups identified for his or her capacity to strike from anyplace on the sector. For the Lions, it’s an opportunity to finish their five-year wait for an additional closing, whereas for the Cheetahs, it’s about cementing their legacy because the Currie Cup’s reigning pressure.
Groups:
Bulls — 15 Boeta Chamberlain, 14 Henry Immelman, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 David Kriel, 11 Stavino Jacobs, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Keagan Johannes, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Nizaam Carr (c), 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Cobus Wiese, 4 Jannes Kirsten, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Dylan Smith.
Subs: 16 Joe van Zyl, 17 Jacques van Rooyen, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Sintu Manjezi, 20 Merwe Olivier, 21 Bernard van der Linde, 22 Katlego Letebele, 23 Celimpilo Gumede.
Sharks XV — 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka (c), 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Subs: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Gerbrandt Grobler, 20 Emmanuel Tshituka, 21 Tian Meyer, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Litelihle Bester.
Lions — 15 Quan Horn, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Rynhardt Jonker, 12 Marois Louw, 11 Tapiwa Mafura, 10 Kade Wolhuter, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Jarod Cairns, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Renzo du Plessis, 5 Darrien-Lane Landsberg, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Jaco Visagie (c), 1 Morgan Naude
Subs: 16 Morne Basson, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Conrad van Vuuren, 19 Raynard Roets, 20 JC Pretorius, 21 Siba Qoma, 22 Sanele Nohamba, 23 Kelly Mpeku
Cheetahs —15 Michael Annies, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Evardi Boshoff, 11 Daniel Kasende, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Jandre Nel, 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (c), 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Robert Hunt, 2 Corne Fourie, 1 Schalk Ferreira.
Subs: 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Hencus van Wyk, 18 Laurence Victor, 19 Friedle Olivier, 20 Aidon Davis, 21 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 22 George Lourens, 23 Litha Nkula
Picture: Steve Haag Sports activities/Gallo Pictures
