VIDEO: 'Now it is our time to shine'
The scoffers will have you believe it is now a second-rate competition, but don’t dare tell that to the players participating in the Currie Cup.
The 2025 edition started with one of the most dramatic finishes for years, the Boland Cavaliers edging the Cheetahs with an injury-time winner.
There were convincing wins for the Pumas in Nelspruit, Lions in Johannesburg and the Bulls in Cape Town.
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Bulls captain Nama Xaba acknowledged the different schools of thought around the value and significance of South Africa’s premier domestic competition.
However, he sees it as an ‘opportunity’ rather than an adulterated event.
“Yes, there are no Springboks [taking part] and the franchises are resting most of their United Rugby Championship players,” Xaba told @rugby365com.
“We [the players taking part] haven’t had a lot of game time,” he said, adding: “This is our time to showcase what we can do.
“There are a lot of guys to showcase their skillsets.”
The loose forward, 28, with 50-odd first-class games between Western Province, the Stormers and Bulls, said the Currie Cup is the ideal showcase for young players to put their talents on display.
(WATCH as @king365ed chats to new Bulls captain Nama Xaba about the Currie Cup season…..)
“For us, the Bulls, we are not looking at it as being watered down; we have seven games to play the best we can.
“It is also [an opportunity] to enjoy the game.
“You enjoy it when you play, and you enjoy it when you are winning.
“For the public, maybe they get tired of seeing the same faces in the URC or for the Springboks.
“It brings a new edge to it, to see the health [depth] of the South African game.
“Everyone at this level is good enough. They just need the opportunities. This is that opportunity”
It may be early days and perhaps a bit premature for predictions, Xaba said the quality of the games was outstanding in Round One.
“I was impressed with Boland,” he said of their 37-35 squeaker over the Cheetahs with an 88th-minute try in a dramatic face-off in Wellington.
However, the Bulls are not looking too far ahead, despite a shortened, single round competition.
“Our toughest challenge this week is the Sharks,” he straight-batted the question.
“We just want to focus on that.
“Every week will present a different challenge.”
In Round Two, the Cheetahs host the Pumas in Bloemfontein, the Lions are at home to Western Province, the Bulls welcome the Sharks and Griquas at home to the Boland Cavaliers.
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