Rugby

Currie Cup semi-final lineup confirmed: Here’s the fantastic four

The four groups that can compete in the semi-finals of the 2023 Currie Cup marketing campaign have been confirmed, with Bloemfontein and Durban to host the two playoff video games.

CURRIE CUP SEMI-FINALISTS CONFIRMED:

The Premier Division playoff lineup has been determined, with Cheetahs set to host the Bulls in Bloemfontein, and the Sharks scheduled to battle the Pumas in Durban. Both matches are scheduled for Saturday, with the kick-off instances to be confirmed.

The produced one in all their finest performances of the season to clinch high spot in the Currie Cup standings with the Sharks relegated to second place, whereas the Pumas and Bulls secured semi-final locations on a dramatic last weekend of the league section.

Despite a valiant last-ditch effort on the last weekend of the common season, the Lions, Griquas and Western Province have didn’t qualify for the subsequent spherical of the Currie Cup.

ALSO READ: Bulls cling on to safe Currie Cup semi-final

Currie Cup semi-final match-ups:

Cheetahs vs Bulls (Bloemfontein)
Sharks vs Pumas (Durban)

FINAL ROUND OF LEAGUE-PHASES REVIEW

The defending champion Pumas confirmed their high quality once they overcame a powerful Griquas facet in Kimberley on Friday afternoon. With that win, the Pumas secured a third-place end in the standings.

Meanwhile, in the recreation staged in Welkom at the similar time, the Lions delivered a probably campaign-saving efficiency. The 39-22 bonus-point victory in opposition to the Griffons briefly propelled them as much as fourth place in the Currie Cup standings. Had the Bulls didn’t accumulate any log factors in Pretoria on Saturday, and had WP misplaced in Cape Town, the Lions could properly have certified for the last four.

The Bulls seemed to be on target for a giant win at Loftus Versfeld, earlier than the Cheetahs fought again to clinch a 31-27 bonus-point victory. While the hosts let the outcome slip, they did declare two bonus factors for scoring four tries and dropping by seven or fewer factors.

These two bonus factors allowed Jake White’s group to maneuver forward of the Lions in the standings, and took them six factors away from WP, ending the Capetonians’ hopes of qualifying for the Currie Cup semi-finals.

ALSO READ: No room for Elton Jantjies — Is this the finish of his Springbok profession?

Nevertheless, the final recreation of the spherical was an essential one for the Sharks and Cheetahs in the context of the race for first place. 

While the Free Staters moved to the high of the Currie Cup log with their win over the Bulls, their probabilities of clinching first place – and internet hosting a possible last – hinged on WP stopping a rampant Sharks facet that had gained seven matches in a row.

In the finish, the Capetonians did the Free Staters an enormous favour once they beat the guests from Durban by 44-5.

THE PRIZED TROPHY:

The Currie Cup Premier Division trophy. Photo: SA Rugby.

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