‘Lots of action, not much conservative stuff’

ONE thing Saturday’s Currie Cup final won’t be is boring.

The Free State Cheetahs and the Golden Lions are probably this country’s most adventurous and daring teams, and more often than not look to score tries than kick at goal.

And, according to former Lions coach Eugene Eloff, the number of young players in the teams should result in plenty of running rugby.

“I’ve watched both these teams closely this season and they’re sides that like to have a go,” said Eloff, who was the man in charge the last time the Cheetahs and Lions squared off in a Currie Cup final – in Bloemfontein in 2007. On that occasion the Free Staters won 20-18.

“I suspect there will be lots of action, and not too much conservative stuff. Of course the Cheetahs, with their Pro 14 experience, the fact they’re playing at home, and saying goodbye to their coach, Franco Smith, (who is leaving for Italy) are the firm favourites, but don’t ever write off this Lions team.”

Eloff said the fact that the Lions had had to “work hard” to get into the final, by fighting their way back into games over the course of the competition, meant there was plenty of character in the side.

“Nothing came easy for the Lions this season. They came back on a number of occasions after being behind at half-time, and that tells me there is a fighting spirit and a certain type of character in that team. Can they win the final?

“Of course they can, but they’ll go in as the underdogs.”

The Cheetahs go into the game on the back of three good wins on home soil this season – recorded against the Griquas (68-14), Western Province (3833) and the Sharks (51-30). Their only defeat at home this season was against the Lions, who won 24-22.

Ivan van Rooyen’s Lions have been good on the road, too. Besides the win registered in Bloemfontein a month ago, they also recorded away wins against Griquas (27-26) and Western Province (30-28).

The Cheetahs are chasing a sixth Currie Cup title this weekend, while the Lions will hope to bag their 12th.

Eloff said there was one other thing that would make the Lions a dangerous side – the fact that they hadn’t yet clicked in the competition.

“It is a significant factor. They’re bound to hit the sweet spot soon. It could be this weekend,” said Eloff.

“I’m really looking forward to it; the Cheetahs have become a team that asks questions late on, while the Lions seem to have finally got a bit of momentum going.”