The Currie Cup has returned amidst drama, chaos and uncertainty. One of the most prestigious competitions- full of exciting talent, drama and vast opportunities.
The competition started off with a qualification phase which had positives and negatives. The competition stipulated that the six main sides of Super Rugby; Lions, Sharks, Cheetahs, Blue Bulls, Stormers and Southern Kings would gain automatic qualification into the Currie Cup Premier division.
The top three sides from the first division qualified and completed a nine-team Premier Division league. There will be one round of each fixture with the top four making the play offs.
Currie Cup has been an important platform for several sides and none more so than the Lions who over three years had a squad which was rarely uninterrupted as they improved their game and developed their players’ skills as they turned a corner.
This year the side will be missing most of their stalwarts and will be hoping to grow that depth but more importantly defend their crown. Will the Lion have some roar in this year’s Currie Cup?
The Kings who have been liquidated will not play in the Currie Cup and this means there is likely to be a bye in every fixture listed against the Kings. The favourites will no doubt be the Sharks who have the quality and also boast the majority of their Super Rugby star. Their quality adds the extra pressure on the KwaZulu-Natal side as they look to put behind their rather average era under former CEO John Smit. The Sharks will also be under new head coach Robert du Preez who has been looking to evolve the Sharks style of play.
The Cheetahs and a side that will also be looking to have a better campaign this year. Despite a semi-final appearance last year, the Free State side will be looking to continue their development under Franco Smith. Expect them to be challenging for the play offs and it will be their neighbours the Griquas who will offer them their biggest challenge when it comes to a spot in the last four.
The Griquas have strengthened their squad and alongside Boland could prove surprise packages. Innovative coaches, talented players and squads with a desire to earn higher honours. The Pumas are also a side that will have much to prove but their depth is likely to let them down. What gives me much hope is the fact these sides have a desire to play running rugby and I am hoping the pressure does not allow them to return to their shells.
The Blue Bulls and Western Province have shown they have some much needed edge to all the teams. They are expected to make the play offs as they continue to show there is no side in the country with more talent than both Unions. The Western province side will be very interesting considering the youth available for their opening fixture.