Match-by-match guide

Although the Currie Cup is three weeks in, the South African rugby public had been captured by the Lions' amazing run in Super Rugby. Next week the Rugby Championship kicks off so this weekend attention is paid to the Currie Cup. M1: Cheetahs v Griquas The central "cousins" face off in Bloemfontein and the Cheetahs are strongly expected to win. They had a bye last weekend but are unbeaten while Griquas haven't been their plucky selves so far in 2017. M2: Western Province v Bulls Two teams who won big last weekend and don't like each other too much. Western Province are fancied because they are at home but the Bulls will not make it easy. M3: Lions v Sharks One wonders what type of team the Lions will field. They have had plenty Springbok call-ups while there are a few household names who need the week off after a long Super Rugby campaign. The Sharks also have a few international call-ups which may disrupt them as well. The Sharks are narrowly tipped to win this one because their boat has been less rocked and they looked very good when beating Griquas last weekend. M4: Warrington v Catalans Warrington are ninth on the League log with Catalans one place and two points behind. There should be little to choose between them. M5: Newcastle v Barrow On to the lower leagues of Rugby League in Britain. Barrow are lying third and having a pretty good season. Newcastle are sixth, seven points adrift their opponents. Perm (R200): M2=1,2,3,4,5; M4=1,4; M5=4,5 M1=2; M3=1,4;