Cheetahs v Bulls - teams and predictions
CURRIE CUP ROUND 14: Come in No.1! That is the ultimate motivation for both teams in Bloemfontein.
It will be an intriguing battle between the Cheetahs and Bulls – both openly stating their desire to finish the regular season in the top spot on the standings.
They have both already secured home ground advantage in the semifinals, but the winner will have the right to also host the Final – making this a trial run for the grand finale.
The Cheetahs need a bonus-point win, while keeping the visitors from gaining any bonus points, to secure first place as their big reward.
On current form, that would appear to be a huge ask, as the Free Staters have lost their last two league games – against Griquas and the Pumas – after going on an impressive nine-game unbeaten run.
While both teams have won two games each in their last five clashes between them, the men from Bloemfontein will be hoping to repeat their 38-25 success in Pretoria in February.
“This game will be like a final before the real Final,” Bulls coach Gert Smal said.
“It’s an absolutely crucial game for both teams.”
(Article continues below …)
The Cheetahs’ inspirational captain Ruan Pienaar said the team is still “upbeat and positive”, but admitted their were “disappointed” with the back-to-back defeats.
“Seven days in rugby is a long time,” the philosophical Springbok veteran said.
He added that “getting a good start” will be key, as their starts against Griquas and the Pumas have been “below par”.
“An encounter with the Bulls is always exciting,” Pienaar said, adding: “They have a good squad and we expect a typical Cheetahs versus Bills clash.”
The 38-year-old, who recently signed a contract extension through next year, said they need to eliminate the costly errors from their game – which gifted the opposition “easy tries”.
“It is always tough to chase a game,” he said of gifting the opposition those early leads.
“Hopefully we can be a little bit more accurate with the ball in hand against the Bulls, more accurate and aggressive on defence.
“We worked on those aspects this week.
“It is about trusting the plan and doing what we have done all season.”
The Bulls coach, Smal, described the Cheetahs as ‘the team of the competition’.
He added that having lost their last two matches – after going on that impressive unbeaten start – will make them even more dangerous this week.
“They will want to bounce back,” Smal said, adding: “They have shown how much of a good side they are, how well-coached they are and how hungry and determined they are for success.
“We will have to be at our best to build on the momentum we have accumulated to this point as we go into the important playoff stages from next week.
“Our boys have worked exceptionally hard this week and I am excited to see the team we have assembled in action.”
He said for the Bulls it is vital to get that No.1 spot.
“We need to ensure we are as accurate as possible in order to achieve our goals,” Smal said.
He spoke of the Cheetahs’ “massive kicking game” as one of the big threats in the match, to go with their X-factor players.
“We also have to stop their mauls,” Smal added.
Prediction
@rugby365com: Cheetahs by five points
Teams
Cheetahs: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 David Brits, 12 Chris Smit, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Siyabonga Masuku, 9 Ruan Pienaar (captain), 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Aidon Davis, 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Rynier Bernardo, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Louis van der Westhuizen, 1 Cameron Dawson.
Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Marne Coetzee, 19 Ockie Barnard, 20 George Cronje, 21 Mihlali Mosi, 22 Rewan Kruger, 23 Robert Ebersohn.
Bulls: 15 Richard Kriel, 14 Tharquin Manuel, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Lionel Mapoe, 11 Quewin Nortje, 10 Juan Mostert, 9 Keagan Johannes, 6 Muller Uys (captain), 7 Jaco Labuschagne, 6 Eric Basson, 5 Ruan Vermaak, 4 Raynard Roets, 3 Jacques van Rooyen, 2 Sidney Tobias, 1 Cebo Dlamini.
Replacements: 16 Schalk Erasmus, 17 Tielman Nieuwoudt, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Ruan Delport, 20 Willie Potgieter, 21 Tiaan Fourie, 22 Frederik du Plessis, 23 Niel Beukes.
Date: Saturday, June 11
Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 17.45 (15.45 GMT)
Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni
Assistant referees: Christopher Allison, Jaco Kotze
TMO: Marius Jonker
@king365ed
@rugby365com
