Currie Cup: Cheetahs' chance to overtake Bulls

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: This weekend the South African Rugby fraternity turn their attention to the Currie Cup.

The Cheetahs will be eager to leapfrog the Bulls at the top of the table this weekend.

The unbeaten Cheetahs, with 31 log points from seven games, moved within a point of log leaders the Bulls (32 points) following their crucial 28-21 win over the Western Province two weeks ago.

The men from Bloemfontein travel to Johannesburg to face the Lions on Friday.

The Cheetahs are arguably one of the favourites for the title this season and should have no trouble knocking over the bottom of the table Lions in their catfight on Friday.

It has been completely opposite seasons for the two sides so far with the Cheetahs comfortably winning seven out of seven and the Lions losing all eight of their games.

Meanwhile, the Pumas travel to Durban to face the Sharks in a much more competitive mid-table clash.

The fixture was scheduled for Saturday, however, it has been moved to Friday.

Sharks, who are currently third on the log with 24 points,  will hope to cement their spot in the top three against the Pumas side.

However, it will be easier said than done, as Jimmy Stonehouse’s men still have a lot to play for – a win will give them an outside shot at the play-offs and move them within one point of fourth-place Griquas.

Speaking of the Griquas, the Kimberley outfit face a very challenging task in the form of the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

The Bulls’ last Currie Cup fixture against the Sharks was cancelled with the result declared a draw and both teams receiving two log points apiece.

The Bulls will receive a big boost given that Gert Smal has the luxury to select some United Rugby Championship players as reinforcements for Saturday’s clash.

It will certainly be a very entertaining encounter between the two teams.

Western Province have a bye this weekend.