Currie Cup round 12: Preview
The Currie Cup regular season is coming to a close, and with the return of South African internationals last week the competition became even more heated. Round 12 is certain to be exciting as the teams struggle to find a spot in the top four.
Preview
Free State vs. Pumas
Free State will welcome the Pumas to Bloemfontein this weekend.
Free State are coming off a crushing loss at the hands of the Natal Sharks and will need to get a win over the lowly Pumas this week if they hope on passing the Blue Bulls for third spot.
The Pumas are playing the role of spoiler, as they have no chance of advancing into the second round of competition. Nevertheless, the Pumas are a long shot against a Free State team that has looked strong in the second half of the season.
Free State is currently in fourth with 32 points, while the Pumas are in seventh with 17 points.
Western Province vs. Griquas
Western Province will host the Griquas in Cape Town this weekend.
Western Province recorded their second win in a row, with a massive victory over the Pumas last week. Province seems to have regained its form in time for the post-season. The Cape Town side will look to extend their lead on third place with a win over the
Griquas.
Meanwhile, the Griquas are in desperate need of a win after getting themselves back into contention with a win over the Leopards last week. The Griquas may have to run the table from this point on in order to qualify for the second round.
Western Province is currently in second with 38 points, while Griquas is in sixth with 30 points.
Leopards vs. Blue Bulls
The Leopards will host the Blue Bulls in Potchefstroom this weekend.
The Leopards are coming off a nine-point loss to the Griquas and are guaranteed relegation at the end of the season. The club will hope to spoil the Blue Bulls party with a win. However, that would mean winning their first game of the 2010 campaign.
The Blue Bulls are celebrating a win over the Golden Lions, which moved them into third place. The Bulls now have a wonderful chance to build a lead on fourth place Free State with a win against the struggling Leopards. With an easy game this week and the
season coming to a close it is integral that the Bulls take full advantage in round eight.
Golden Lions vs. Natal Sharks
The Lions will host the Natal Sharks in Johannesburg this weekend.
The Lions are coming off a devastating loss at the hands of the Blue Bulls in round seven and will need to turn it around against the Sharks if they hope to qualify for the post-season. The Lions have home field advantage working for them, in what is to
date their most important game of the season.
The Natal Sharks are all but guaranteed a spot in the play-offs, as they are well ahead of second place Western Province. The Sharks will be stiff competition for the young Golden Lions, but will have to be in top form against a desperate side.
The Lions are currently in fifth with 31 points, while the Sharks are in first with 46 points.
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