Things to look out for in this weekend’s Currie Cup action

When the Pumas beat Western Province in Mbombela last week, they ironically put themselves on a collision course with their more illustrious opponents.

Suddenly, these two teams are actually competing for a place in the semifinals.

Also read: Springboks get their Pollard wish … with a bit of help

It’s expected that Province will beat Griquas at Newlands this weekend but the interesting prospect is that the Pumas have a real chance of keeping the pressure up.

And that’s probably the most interesting theme for the coming weekend.

Here are the main talking points.

Pumas should expect themselves to win in Bloem

You can bet top dollar coach Brent Janse van Rensburg isn’t encouraging cockiness but it’s not a bad thing for his troops to go into their match against the Cheetahs big on confidence.

They’ve built nice momentum over the past few weeks and are starting to believe in their systems.

No away game is easy but the Pumas really do have a golden chance to gain a win in the City of Roses.

The Free Staters aren’t just struggling to cope without their Pro14 stars, they’re also coming off a bye.

That means they could be slightly off the pace anyway and, with their poor recent form also a problem, the Pumas should pounce.

De Allende has dual responsibility at Newlands

Unlike the Blue Bulls, Western Province had little hesitation in picking Damian de Allende after the Springboks made him available for the game against Griquas.

“We took a different approach in midfield, but our view to the Bulls will probably be a different one. If this helps someone like Damian to stay in the Springbok frame, we’re keen to help him and help the national cause,” said coach John Dobson.

The Springboks will be grateful that the midfielder will get some much-needed game-time under his belt.

But he also has to set an example.

Last week’s poor showing against the Pumas was as much a failure from the senior players to set a proper standard as it was inexperience.

“The senior players are going to be vital,” said flanker Nizaam Carr, who’ll be playing his 50th Currie Cup game.

“There are new guys present and we have to provide guidance. We really have to step up.”

De Allende can pay back the favour in that regard.

Bulls seem relaxed

The feeling you get when you chat to the men from Loftus is that their done putting themselves under unnecessary pressure for the remainder of the campaign.

Yes, they are still in the playoff frame but that seems like a secondary objective now.

“It’s ultimately just to continue focusing on ourselves,” said director of rugby John Mitchell.

“We want to continue with our attitude and want to be smarter and better. It’s not about the Sharks and the log.”

The Bulls have a surprisingly good record at King’s Park and the table-topping Sharks better be wary.