This weekend’s talking points from the Currie Cup

As this year’s Currie Cup moves past the halfway stage, it looks increasingly clear that Robert du Preez’s Sharks will be the team to beat.

Even with the distraction of Garth April’s disciplinary issues didn’t seem to disrupt them unduly.

Also read: Cheetahs produce another last-gasp effort against Lions

The Lions’ depressing run continued but it required heroics at the death from Sergeal Petersen for the Cheetahs to keep that up.

But undoubtedly the biggest talking point remains the decline of the Blue Bulls.

50 points against the Pumas? What is going on?

Here’s a rundown of the past weekend.

Mitchell ain’t no miracle maker

For some, the relative lack of noise after the Blue Bulls were mowed down 15-51 by the Pumas in Mbombela came as a surprise.

Maybe it shouldn’t be.

Maybe people have just become used to the Bulls’ poor performances.

But one can’t help but wonder that maybe Mitchell is just being calm before the storm.

Some players on the Bulls’ payroll simply aren’t good enough and once this campaign is over, the big clean-out might be coming.

At what cost, however?

Pumas show their worth

It’s never easy going to the Lowveld and beating Brent Janse van Rensburg’s troops yet even the Pumas must’ve been surprised by their comprehensive win.

They were simply relentless, heaping pressure on their wayward opponents and generally punishing every mistake.

There’s probably an argument that the Pumas simply played poor opponents on the night but that would be an injustice.

They didn’t win narrowly.

They won easily.

And that suggests they belong in this tournament.

The Cheetahs and Lions’ paths split 

From this week onwards, don’t be surprised if the Cheetahs and Lions experience differing fortunes.

The Free Staters did well in securing their 30-24 win because they begin their Pro14 campaign on Saturday, meaning their depth will now be severely tested.

Five wins mean they’re probably save in terms of semifinal qualification but it won’t be surprising if they tail off now … badly.

In contrast, the Lions can salvage some pride.

They seemed destined to win in Bloemfontein before they lost concentration.

However, at least there seemed to be some continuity to their play.

Lions fans will hope that’s a springboard for better days.

Don’t be fooled by the Sharks’ narrow Newlands win

A 21-20 scoreline in a match between two of the best sides in the competition looks fair and fitting.

But it’s not really the case.

Western Province played decently though it really shouldn’t have been that close.

The Sharks had so much ball and territory in the second half that they only needed to convert one or two chances to run away with it.

It showed that the Durbanites still have some kinks to work out but they certainly can lift the title if they still improve weekly.