The 2023 version of the Currie Cup has reached the halfway mark and it’s the defending champions, the Pumas, who prepared the ground. Here are 5 talking points to date.
Pumas on the cost
The males from Mbombela had been the shock winners of the Currie Cup final 12 months, pipping Griquas within the closing in Kimberley. But to date in 2023 they’ve proven that was not a once-off and that they’re very a lot within the operating to go back-to-back.
Right now, the Pumas sit on the high of the log with 29 points from six wins from seven video games. Their solely loss to date was in opposition to the Sharks (19-12) in Durban, however they’ve registered a number of good wins, amongst them their latest 25-24 win in opposition to WP, 64-6 in opposition to the Griffons, 61-21 in opposition to the Cheetahs and 63-15 in opposition to the Bulls.
Griffons with out puff
The newcomers to the competitors have discovered the going extraordinarily arduous, whether or not they have performed at residence in Welkom, or on the street. They are at the moment backside of the points desk with a mere seven points from seven video games.
Their solely win has come in opposition to the Bulls — a 32-28 win on residence soil, in a shock of a consequence that pressured modifications within the Pretoria staff’s teaching constructions.
While the Griffons have performed some enterprising rugby at occasions and scored some good tries, their shaky defence has been their largest drawback.
Bulls
There was loads of pleasure about former hooker Edgar Marutlulle getting the pinnacle teaching job of the Currie Cup staff, however sadly that solely final a short time as 4 straight defeats resulted in a change on the high, with Jake White taking up.
Under Marutlulle, the Bulls misplaced to the Pumas, Western Province, Cheetahs and Griffons.
White, as director of rugby on the Bulls, determined sufficient was sufficient, he demoted Marutlulle and stepped in and the Bulls received their subsequent three video games to be fifth on the desk.
URC gamers
Some of the larger groups have combined and matched their sides, with some skilled gamers that includes in each the United Rugby Championship and Currie Cup, whereas different outfits have backed just one group of males to play within the Currie Cup.
But, now with the Lions out of the URC and the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers solely having the playoffs to cope with over the following few weeks, we’re positive to see stronger groups and plenty of extra acquainted names taking part in within the Currie Cup.
It ought to make for an exciting climax.
Contenders
So, the Pumas are high of the desk and deservedly so, however who’re the groups who’ll problem them the toughest?
The Cheetahs, who’re second with 26 points, are most likely the strongest aspect proper now after the Pumas and with a settled aspect taking part in collectively, could possibly be severe challengers afterward.
The return of URC gamers to the Lions, Bulls, Sharks and Stormers may change issues, however then a few of these groups may also be affected by gamers being known as into the Springbok set-up.
Could Griquas be the aspect to once more go all the way in which to the ultimate?
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