The Carling Currie Cup Premier Division will see an intriguing battle between the Toyota Cheetahs and Vodacom Bulls in Bloemfontein for the first spot on the log, played in Bloemfontein, Saturday at 17h45.
The match at the Free State Stadium will prove to be a crucial one for both teams who will be gunning to finish the round-robin stages of the Carling Currie Cup at the top of the log and, effectively, could determine who between the two will potentially host a home final in the domestic competition should both teams go all the way to the title-decider at the conclusion of the season.
The hosts need a win while keeping the visitors from gaining any bonus points to secure first place as their big reward.
On current form, that would appear to be a huge ask as the Free Staters have lost their last two league games after going on an impressive nine-game unbeaten run, with the Airlink Pumas pipping them 29-28 the previous weekend.
While both teams have won two games each in their last five clashes between them, the men from Bloemfontein will be hoping to repeat their 38-25 success in Pretoria in February.
Toyota Cheetahs' head coach Hawies Fourie announced his team with a couple of changes.
Cameron Dawson will be replacing Schalk Ferreira in the nr 1 jersey. Gideon van der Merwe has a couple of smaller niggles and will be rested this week. Andisa Ntsila is back in the starting line-up. George Cronje will be making his return after a long injury when he sets foot on the field. In the backline, Siya Masuku, David Brits and Clayton Blommetjies are back in their regular positions.
“We had two disappointing losses in a row, but the guys are upbeat and positive. We’ve just got to get back on the horse again. Seven days in rugby is a long time. We’ve prepared well this week and everyone is still positive about the next match. Hopefully, we can get a good start,” said Captain Ruan Pienaar.
“A clash against the Bulls is always exciting and the Bulls have a good side. I think it is about going out, executing and trusting the plan and what we’ve done all season.”
The Vodacom Bulls have named an exciting match-day squad.
Muller Uys will be leading the team as captain, while the experienced Jacques van Rooyen will add grunt to the front row as the starting tighthead prop, returning from an injury layoff that has seen him out of action for the past few weeks.
Springbok centre, Lionel Mapoe, also makes a return from injury as he partners with former Blitzbok, Stedman Gans, in the midfield that will add firepower to an exciting backline.
One of the latest Vodacom Bulls recruits, Ruan Vermaak, has also been given a starting berth, donning the No5 jersey while the talented Richard Kriel will be showcasing his versatility with a start at fullback.
“This weekend’s Carling Currie Cup game will be like a final before the real final. It’s an absolutely crucial game for both teams,” said Vodacom Bulls head coach, Gert Smal, ahead of the match.
“The Toyota Cheetahs have undoubtedly been the team of the competition, beating all teams, including us, and suffered that close defeat in their previous match. That could make them even more dangerous this week – they will want to bounce back. They have shown how much of a good side they are, how well-coached they are and how hungry and determined they are for success.
“We will have to be at our best to build on the momentum we have accumulated to this point as we go into the important playoff stages from next week. Our boys have worked exceptionally hard this week and I am excited to see the team we have assembled in action.”
Teams:
Toyota Cheetahs: 15. Clayton Blommetjies, 14. Daniel Kasende, 13. David Brits, 12. Chris Smit, 11. Rosko Specman, 10. Siya Masuku, 9.. Ruan Pienaar (captain), 8. Jeandre Rudolph, 7. Aidon Davis, 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Rynier Bernardo, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis vd Westhuizen, 1 Cameron Dawson. Replacements: 16. Marnus van der Merwe, 17. Alulutho Tshakweni, 18. Marne Coetzee, 19. Ockie Barnard, 20. George Cronje, 21. Mihlali Mosi, 22. Rewan Kruger, 23. Robert Ebersohn.
Vodacom Bulls: 15. Richard Kriel, 14. Tharquinn Manuel, 13. Stedman Gans, 12. Lionel Mapoe, 11. Quewin Nortje, 10. Juan Mostert, 9. Keagan Johannes, 8. Muller Uys (c), 7. Jaco Labuschagne, 6.Eric Basson, 5. Ruan VermaakJanko Swanepoel, 4. Raynard Roets, 3. Jaques van Rooyen, 2. Sidney Tobias, 1. Cebo Dlamini. Replacements: 16. Schalk Erasmus, 17. Tielman Nieuwoudt, 18. Francois Kloppers, 19. Ruan Delport, 20. Willie Potgieter, 21. Tiaan Fourie, 22. FC du Plessis, 23. Niel Beukes.