The seventh week of the Currie Cup for 2009 draws the first round to an end.
The first round of the 2009 Currie Cup has certainly seen some unforeseen results. It will end with either Griquas or the Sharks leading the race, and Western Province and the Blue Bulls making up the top 4. I’m sure this is not the way most experts would have predicted the season unfolding.
I think that’s the way the standings will finish after round 2, with a change to the current order. At this stage I’m predicting a Blue Bulls v Sharks/Western Province final.
Blue Bulls v Platinum Leopards
The Blue Bulls have the benefit of a home game against weak opposition. It’s a certain 5 log points, but the important factor is to play well, build combinations, and ensure the points differential is maximized. It’s been a slightly mixed bag for the Blue Bulls as the youngsters step into the shoes of the Bulls’ Springboks, but they’ll be much better prepared for the second round.
Bulls by how many? I say 43.
Free State Cheetahs v Boland
The Cheetahs have got back to winning ways, and should be able to continue quite easily against Boland. It will be important for the Cheetahs to start well as a bonus point is essential. However I think that unless they can do something similar to Griquas and win 5 in a row in the second round, they will not be in the semi-finals.
Free State Cheetahs by 20.
Sharks v Griquas
It’s bee a great season for Griquas so far, led superbly by their captain Jonathon Mokuena. A super 14 side really needs to get hold of him for next year. However playing in Durban at Kings park where they have not won since 1998 will be a tall order, against a confident Sharks side. The difference is in the depth, and at home the Sharks will be too strong. Surely?
Sharks by 12.
Western Province v Golden Lions
It’s been a great season for Western Province so far, whilst the Lions have not seemed to have made great headway yet. Province can afford to leave Chris Jack on the bench, and that’s a great move as they are obviously thinking of the future, and not just the present. The Lions have been quite poor away from home, and will struggle again.
Western Province by 15.
Good morning my friend
Yes I agree with you in regards with the order that is going to change. The Cheetahs are back and it seems like the Bulls and the Sharks are coming to grips too. I think that it a bit pre mature to predict a final yet and therefore I predict semi finals between the Cheetahs/Griquas and Western Province and Bulls and Sharks.
Keep on the good work.
Deon Wessels
Cheetah/Griquas man
Hi Deon,
The Cheetahs are not back! They are has-beens and also-rans! I will eat my hat if they make the semis!
As for potential finalists, I don’t think it is too early to predict that. The Sharks and Bulls will be difficult to stop making the final, and Griquas and Western Province will have to play extremely well to challenge them for a final spot. The Cheetahs should start planning for next year.