Pumas big favourites against Cheetahs in Currie Cup clash in Bloem

The only two unbeaten sides left in the Currie Cup, the Cheetahs and Pumas, meet in a heavyweight top of the table clash in one of two games on Friday afternoon.

The game at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein will kick off at 5.05pm, while a bottom of the table clash is battled out at the North West Stadium in Welkom when the Griffons host the Bulls at 3pm.

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Despite the top of the log Cheetahs, who have picked up a perfect 15 points from their opening three games in the competition, hosting the match against the defending champions, the Pumas, the clash comes at the worst possible time for them.

Pumas favourites

With the Cheetahs playing at home they ordinarily would have started as favourites, but with them also in Challenge Cup action against Toulon this weekend, it means all of their best players are in France.

Their depth is thus set to be severely tested in their game against the Pumas, who will now be heavy favourites to pick up the win and keep their unbeaten run intact.

The Pumas should have no trouble in brushing off a second string Cheetahs side and returning to the top of the log after four rounds of the competition.

Bottom table clash

In the bottom of the table clash the Bulls will be desperate to get their first win of the Currie Cup against newcomers the Griffons.

The Bulls have only managed one bonus point from their three matches so far, while the Griffons are yet to pick up a point in the competition, and both sides will be gunning for the win.

The Griffons have impressed in moments, like keeping the Cheetahs quiet in the second half of a heavy loss and leading against the Lions at halftime before falling apart, but have not been consistent enough.

The Bulls are on a dreadful run of form and low in confidence, but they should be boosted by Springbok Johan Goosen, who will start the match at flyhalf, with him returning from a shoulder injury that has kept him out of action since early February.

Goosen will be eager to make a big impression and force his way back into the main team’s end of season run-in in the United Rugby Championship.