Currie Cup Rugby 2013: Key Battles to Watch This Weekend

There is still plenty to play for in the final weekend of Currie Cup round-robin action as three teams compete for the remaining two semi-final spots.

Table-toppers Western Province and The Sharks, who face off this weekend, have already secured a home draw in the final four, while Golden Lions, Free State Cheetahs and Blue Bells will fight it out for third and fourth place.

With South Africa suffering a 38-27 defeat to New Zealand in the Rugby Championship last week, their international players will be hoping to return to winning ways as they shed their national colours in favour of their club’s.

Here’s an in-depth look at this weekend’s key battles and what’s at stake.

Free State Cheetahs vs. Blue Bulls

The Cheetahs, who currently sit third in the table, are the favourites to secure their spot in the semi-final of the Currie Cup as they welcome the Blue Bulls to Bloemfontein.

Naka Drotske’s side need just a bonus point against an out-of-form Bulls team to advance beyond the round-robin stage.

According to Rugby Week, the scrum will be key for the Cheetahs, who will be buoyed by the return of Adriaan Strauss and Coenie Oosthuizen from international duty.

The Bulls prevailed 26-10 in Pretoria the last time the two sides met, but they will have their work cut out if they’re to go beyond the group stages. A bonus point win would see them leapfrog Free State in the rankings, but with three defeats in their last four games, that result seems unlikely.

Golden Lions vs. Griquas           

The Golden Lions will heap further pressure on the Cheetahs and Bulls if they can secure a win in the earlier kick-off in Johannesburg.

The Lions currently sit fourth in the standings on 21 points, one behind Free State and four ahead of the Bulls, but they will need to win to ensure themselves of qualification to the knockout stages.

Their opponents Griquas conceded 104 points in their last two matches and if that doesn’t send up red flags for the visiting side, then Pote Human’s team selection will.

The head coach, who will leave the team at the end of the season, has chosen to rest a handful of his best players for his side's crucial relegation matches.

The last time the Lions and Griquas faced off, the former came out on the winning side of 38-32 scoreline. Expect more of the same on Saturday.