Get ready for Springbok-powered collisions as the Currie Cup semi-finals look set to showcase South Africa’s fiercest provincial rivals.
The 2024 Currie Cup is poised to deliver two thrillers as four of South Africa’s top provincial sides gear up for a shot at glory in the knockout stage of the competition. With several Springboks set to take the field, fans can expect a spectacle of high-intensity rugby that showcases both emerging talents and seasoned internationals.
The Vodacom Bulls host the Sharks XV at Loftus Versfeld, with both teams bringing an exciting blend of youth and experience.
Coached by Phiwe Nomlomo, the Bulls have recalled Johan Goosen at flyhalf, while Nizaam Carr has joined Marcell Coetzee in the starting back row, taking over the captaincy. Springboks Akker van der Merwe and Wilco Louw will power the home side’s scrum as they look to progress to their first final since 2021, when they sealed back-to-back titles.
John Plumtree has taken back the reins from JP Pietersen at the Sharks, who are chasing their fourth final in six years and first title since 2018.
Fit-again Andre Esterhuizen is among five Boks who will be in action for the visitors, joined in the backline by fullback Jordan Hendrikse, while Phepsi Buthelezi, Ntuthuko Mchunu and Trevor Nyakane will be in the engine room led by Vincent Tshituka.
In Johannesburg, the Lions will be aiming for their first Currie Cup final since 2019 as they square off against the defending champions, the Cheetahs.
Mziwakhe Nkosi’s side bounced back from a home loss to the Sharks to drive to a first-place finish and could host the final for the first time since 2015. Welcoming back young Boks Quan Horn and Ruan Venter, the Lions also have the experience of Marius Louw in midfield.
The Cheetahs, meanwhile, are on a mission to defend their crown. Having won last year’s title in a dominant display, the visitors advanced to the playoffs this year with a comfortable victory over the Pumas.
Led by Victor Sekekete, the Cheetahs are stacked with talent, including the seasoned Oupa Mohoje and flying wing Dan Kasende.
It’s a matchup that promises attacking rugby, with both teams known for their ability to strike from anywhere on the field. For the Lions, it’s a chance to end their five-year wait for another final, while for the Cheetahs, it’s about cementing their legacy as the Currie Cup’s reigning force.
Teams:
Bulls — 15 Boeta Chamberlain, 14 Henry Immelman, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 David Kriel, 11 Stavino Jacobs, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Keagan Johannes, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Nizaam Carr (c), 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Cobus Wiese, 4 Jannes Kirsten, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Dylan Smith.
Subs: 16 Joe van Zyl, 17 Jacques van Rooyen, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Sintu Manjezi, 20 Merwe Olivier, 21 Bernard van der Linde, 22 Katlego Letebele, 23 Celimpilo Gumede.
Sharks XV — 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka (c), 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Subs: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Gerbrandt Grobler, 20 Emmanuel Tshituka, 21 Tian Meyer, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Litelihle Bester.
Lions — 15 Quan Horn, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Rynhardt Jonker, 12 Marois Louw, 11 Tapiwa Mafura, 10 Kade Wolhuter, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Jarod Cairns, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Renzo du Plessis, 5 Darrien-Lane Landsberg, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Jaco Visagie (c), 1 Morgan Naude
Subs: 16 Morne Basson, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Conrad van Vuuren, 19 Raynard Roets, 20 JC Pretorius, 21 Siba Qoma, 22 Sanele Nohamba, 23 Kelly Mpeku
Cheetahs —15 Michael Annies, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Evardi Boshoff, 11 Daniel Kasende, 10 Ethan Wentzel, 9 Jandre Nel, 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (c), 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Robert Hunt, 2 Corne Fourie, 1 Schalk Ferreira.
Subs: 16 Vernon Paulo, 17 Hencus van Wyk, 18 Laurence Victor, 19 Friedle Olivier, 20 Aidon Davis, 21 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 22 George Lourens, 23 Litha Nkula
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post Bok giants supercharge Currie Cup semi-finals appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
