Currie Cup round 11: Preview
The 11th round of the Currie Cup will take place over the weekend, and as the regular season beings to warm down the anticipation of the play-offs grows.
Preview
Griquas vs. Leopards
The Griquas will host the Leopards in Kimberly over the weekend.
The Griquas are coming off a tough loss to the Golden Lions over the weekend and need a win against the Leopards in round seven to have a shot at a play-off spot. The Griquas showed plenty of skill early in the season, but have tapered off as it has progressed.
The last place Leopards offer them a chance to get back on track.
The Leopards have no shot at a play-off spot and are instead fighting to remain in the premiership next season. Nevertheless, they will need a quick turnaround if they hope to avoid relegation.
The Griquas are currently in sixth with 25 points, while the Leopards are in eighth with five points.
Pumas vs. Western Province
The Pumas will be at home to Western Province in Witbank over the weekend.
The Pumas have drastically improved their game over the past two weeks and should present a challenge to a struggling WP side. The Witbank side looks to be clear of relegation and will fill the role of spoiler for the remainder of the season.
Western Province managed to pull out their first win in three matches last week and will hope to build on it against a weaker Pumas side. With an influx of international talent coming back from the Tri Nations tournament Province should be in good shape
for the end of the season.
The Pumas are currently in seventh with 17 points, while Western Province is in second with 33 points.
Natal Sharks vs. Free State
The Natal Sharks will play host to Free State at home in Durban on Saturday.
The Natal Sharks continue to roll through their end of season schedule, coming off a win over the Pumas last week. The Sharks have built up a solid lead on second place Western Province; however they will face a stiff test against Free State this week.
Free State seems to have found their form in the latter portion of the 2010 campaign. Last week they were able to come away with a win over a strong Bulls side. Free State has been working hard to cement themselves in the top four and they are now in position
to take over second spot with a win.
The Natal Sharks are currently in first with 41 points, while Free State is in third with 32 points.
Blue Bulls vs. Golden Lions
The Blue Bulls will welcome the Golden Lions to Pretoria for their round seven match-up.
The Blue Bulls have had trouble remaining consistent throughout the 2010 campaign and they will hope that an influx of Tri Nation’s players will help them turn it around in the late going. The Bulls were the favourite heading into the season and now run
the risk of not making the play-offs. Moreover, they will play the League’s hottest team in the Lions in week 11.
The Golden Lions have been on fire over the past four weeks, winning all their matches. The Lions youth seems to have found its groove after an impressive 40-point display against the Griquas last week. Their recent performances have helped move them out
of sixth place and into a play-off spot. Nevertheless, the Lions will face their most difficult test this weekend against a desperate Blue Bulls side infused with South African international talent.
The Blue Bulls are currently in fifth with 29 points, while the Lions are in fourth with 30 points.
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