The Currie Cup reaches its business end this weekend, with four teams left standing and a place in the final on the line.
Defending champions Griquas will look to maintain their impressive run when they host the Lions in Kimberley, while the Cheetahs will get an immediate chance to avenge their heavy defeat against the Pumas.
With home advantage, momentum and a potential final on their doorstep, Griquas appear to have the upper hand. But the Lions have already shown they can rise to the occasion when their season is on the line.
Griquas favourites to reach another final
Griquas vs Lions
Griqua Park, Kimberley
Kick-off: 13:00
Griquas enter the semi-final as arguably the competition’s form team.
After losing to the Stormers in the opening round, the defending champions have responded with six consecutive victories, including a convincing 31-19 win over the Lions earlier in the competition.
Coach Pieter Bergh has remained loyal to his core group and that consistency has helped Griquas build serious momentum.
The Northern Cape side will also draw confidence from last year’s final, when they edged the Lions after George Whitehead’s late penalty secured their fourth Currie Cup title.
But the Lions will not arrive in Kimberley simply to make up the numbers.
Johannesburg’s side had to fight until the final round to secure their playoff place. After sitting as low as sixth on the table, the Lions produced a statement 36-12 victory over the Stormers, scoring five tries to book their place in the semi-finals.
That performance will give them belief — and Griquas know they cannot afford to take their visitors lightly.
The stakes are even higher given that this is effectively a rematch of last year’s final.
Can the Lions finally dethrone the champions on their own turf?
Cheetahs out for revenge against rampant Pumas
Cheetahs vs Pumas
Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 15:30
The second semi-final could be the most intriguing of the weekend.
The Cheetahs and Pumas meet just seven days after their last encounter, when the Pumas produced a sensational 52-26 victory in Nelspruit.
The Pumas ran in eight tries that afternoon and will travel to Bloemfontein with plenty of confidence.
But the Cheetahs will have the advantage of playing at home — and coach Frans Steyn is expected to bring back several of his leading players after resting key stars during the earlier league meeting.
Faf de Klerk could return to the starting line-up, while Neels Volschenk and Clayton Blommetjies would provide additional attacking threat.
The Pumas, meanwhile, have plenty of reasons to believe they can complete another upset.
Clinton Swart impressed with six successful kicks from eight attempts in the previous meeting, while Chyle van Zyl and JJ Scheepers both scored twice.
There is also a milestone for Volschenk, who is set to make his 50th appearance in the orange and white.
With the prize now a place in the Currie Cup final, the second meeting promises to be a very different contest.
Where will the Currie Cup final be played?
The semi-finals will determine more than just the two finalists.
If Griquas beat the Lions, the final will be played in Kimberley.
An upset victory for the Lions would open the door for the Cheetahs to host the final in Bloemfontein if they defeat the Pumas.
And if both the Lions and Pumas win, the Currie Cup final will move to Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
That means every result this weekend could have a major impact on the destination of the trophy decider.
Four teams. Two finals spots. One trophy.
Will Griquas continue their title defence, or can the Lions finally knock the champions off their perch?
And after last week’s 52-26 demolition, will the Cheetahs turn the tables on the Pumas?
The Currie Cup semi-finals are set for a fascinating weekend of knockout rugby.
