Currie Cup action takes centre stage
Rugby fans will be pleased to see that there are two Rugby 5 pools this weekend. The Currie Cup semi-finals headline the first pool, and we will focus on this pool in the weekly preview.
The pool kicks off with the clash between Munster and Gloucester.
Munster dug deep to earn an unlikely draw away to Exeter Chiefs last weekend. The two points they picked up on their travels will serve them well later in the competition. It will also boost their confidence and at home Munster should prove too strong for Gloucester, who have bounced back well since their shock home defeat to Harlequins.
Johan Ackermann’s side is capable of producing upsets, but it’s unlikely to happen this weekend.
Match two is the first of the Currie Cup semi-finals between the Sharks XV and the Golden Lions.
The Sharks secured a home semi-final with a polished display away to Griquas.
Their forwards rumbled with intent, while their backs were sharp when opportunity presented itself.
The Lions delivered a solid performance in overcoming the Pumas in Nelspruit, but will have to be significantly more ruthless to beat the Sharks. The Sharks won the pool match the teams played earlier this season.
The return of Elton Jantjies to the Lions squad could give them the boost they need. Jantjies made a return to the Currie Cup competition last weekend – playing his first game in the premier local competition since 2013 after which he joined the Shining Arcs in Japan.
Match 3 sees the Worcester Warriors host the Ospreys.
The Warriors produced one of the major upsets last weekend with a victory over Stade Francais in Paris. They won that Challenge Cup game 38-27, which will be a significant confidence booster ahead of the visit of the Ospreys. The Ospreys boast four wins in their last six matches and Warriors will do well to subdue them.
The other Currie Cup semi-final between Western Province and the Blue Bulls is Match 4.
Province brushed aside the feeble challenge of the Blue Bulls in their weather-curtailed match at Loftus last weekend. The Western Province scrum demolished their opposition while the backline hasn’t been too shabby either. The competition’s leading try scorer, Sergeal Petersen, should again prove a menace.
The closing match is the contest between Racing 92 and Ulster.
Racing’s untimely home defeat against Lyon was quickly banished by their away win over the Scarlets. In Ulster they have tricky opposition. Ulster, winless since they beat the Kings in the middle of last month, recorded a 24-10 victory over Leicester Tigers in their latest clash.
Ulster can be dangerous but Racing should have their measure.