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The battle for Currie Cup semi-final spots reaches a key stage this weekend, and by the end of this weekend the playoff picture will be a lot clearer.

CURRIE CUP OVERVIEW

The Cheetahs, Sharks and Airlink Pumas are currently jousting for first position in the standings. Western Province, Griquas and the Bulls are still in the running for the playoffs, while the Lions have a slim chance of making the top-four cut.

GRIFFONS VS SHARKS (FRIDAY, 3PM, WELKOM)

The Sharks will be targeting a bonus-point win they travel to Welkom on Friday. The KwaZulu-Natalians have won their last five matches, and could shoot to the top of the log if other results go their way this weekend.

By contrast, the Griffons haven’t won a game since upsetting the Bulls in the fourth round.

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WESTERN PROVINCE VS LIONS (FRIDAY, 5PM, ATHLONE, CAPE TOWN)

WP beat the Northern Free Staters and the Pumas recently, and will go into their next fixture against the Lions on Friday with confidence and momentum. Nevertheless, they are under pressure to maintain their winning streak.

Currently in fourth position, the Capetonians may be overtaken if they lose to the team from Johannesburg, and if Griquas and the Bulls win their respective matches.

CHEETAHS VS GRIQUAS (SATURDAY, 1:30PM, BLOEMFONTEIN)

The Cheetahs have lost their last two matches, and will be desperate to bounce back against their neighbours from Kimberley on Saturday.

Depending on the result in Welkom, the Free Staters may need to win big in Bloemfontein in order to retain their position at the top of the standings.

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PUMAS VS BULLS (SATURDAY, 3:33PM, NELSPRUIT)

Like the Cheetahs, the Pumas have suffered a slump in form over the past two weeks, with defeats to the and WP. Currently in third place, they could slip further down the log if they don’t see off the Bulls in Nelspruit this Saturday.

The men from Pretoria have transformed since welcoming back a host of star players from Vodacom United Rugby Championship duty.

After claiming the scalps of Griquas and the Lions, Jake White’s charges will be targeting a third-successive victory this Saturday.

Wins for WP and the Bulls this weekend could spell trouble for the Airlink Pumas. They may slip down to fourth in the standings, and may well be overtaken by the Bulls in the final two rounds of the league phase of the Currie Cup.

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