The prestigious Currie Cup 2020 hit off with a great brand of rugby every South African rugby fan – and beyond – had anticipated. The Currie Cup is the premium domestic rugby tournament in South Africa, which dates as far back as 1892, and regarded as the most prestigious rugby tournament in South Africa.
This past weekend, we witnessed exciting fixtures with numerous Springbok Rugby World Cup legends returning to their domestic franchises, which will guarantee an exciting tournament ahead for the Currie Cup 2020 tournament.
Click here if you would you recall the great Super Fan Saturday!
First Weekend Results:
Sharks v Pumas:
The first game of the Currie Cup 2020 tournament saw 2018 champions, The Sharks challenge the visiting Pumas in what was set to be an exciting Friday evening of rugby in Durban. It didn’t take long for the home side to cross the whitewash, as the Sharks ran in five first-half tries, to lead 31-3 at half time.
The second half started with The Pumas managing to score the first try in their strive for a comeback, however, a truly inspirational moment took place on The Sharks side, overshadowing their attempted comeback. Springbok winger, Sbu Nkosi came off the bench and managed to score a brace of tries, displaying why he’s regarded as one of the best finishers in World Rugby.
After an entertaining show of rugby, the home side Sharks were able to begin their Currie Cup 2020 campaign with a 45-10 victory against an eager looking Pumas team, and in doing so, securing the bonus point for scoring over four tries.
Griquas v Lions:
The second game of the weekend saw The Lions make a long trip from their home in Johannesburg to Kimberley, to challenge The Griquas in their maiden Currie Cup 2020 fixture. The Lions were firm favourites heading into this encounter; not many rugby experts would have predicted the result of this Currie Cup 2020 encounter.
The home side, Griquas shot quickly off the firing blocks scoring two quick unanswered tries, however, the conversions failed to add the additional points to the home side. The Lions responded by converting a penalty following a Griquas infringement, then Lions winger, Courtnall Skosan managed to dot the ball down in the corner with both conversions unsuccessful, with Griquas going into half time with a well deserved 17-13 lead.
The second half started with the visiting Lions scrumming over the line for a well-deserved penalty try, giving the Johannesburg side the lead for the first time in the game. Before Griquas could respond, the weather Gods played a huge impact on the match; the game was suspended and eventually called off, as a thunderstorm made the match unsafe to continue to participate.
In what may have been the ideal opportunity for Griquas to get one over their arch-rivals, The Lions managed to get an easy way out in what could have been a secured victory for the Griquas in the shortened Currie Cup 2020 fixture.
Western Province v Bulls
The main game and highlight of the Currie Cup 2020 weekend ended in Newlands in Cape Town, where Western Province and The Bulls contested to see which side would start their Currie Cup 2020 first round on a high.
The Bulls went into this fixture knowing that a win in Cape Town would not be easy, as Western Province had vast international experience in their team. Most notably, Springbok World Cup-winning Captain, Siya Kolisi returned to the field from injury to lead a Western Province side, who knew a win would give them the ideal confidence boost in the start of their Currie Cup 2020 campaign.
The Bulls started the fixture very well and their backline produced a stunning team try as winger, Kurt-Lee Arendse scored their first try – with an unsuccessful conversion.
Western Province shortly responded with a successful penalty goal and moments later, a converted try took the home side into halftime, 10-5 up at the end of the first half.
A quick penalty in the second half from the Bulls reduced the deficit to only 2 points, until a moment that changed the whole game prevailed. Bulls loosehead prop, Jacques Van Rooyen had a TMO decision judging his tackle being too high on his opponent, resulting in the Bulls player receiving a straight red card.
Despite this, the Pretoria-based Bulls were not finished yet and managed to score a successfully converted try, moments after Western Province managed to score a try, leaving the game close with a missed conversion. A moment of brilliance from Bulls flyhalf, Christopher Smith who produced a well-executed cross-kick to send his teammate over in the corner to draw the scores level, with a conversion still to come.
With a calm and collective approach, flyhalf, Smith converted the try in the final moments of the Currie Cup 2020 game to give the Bulls a historic 22-20 victory against Western Province in Cape Town.
Writer’s Prediction: Currie Cup 2020 Winning Team:
On the previous weekend, we saw the Bulls crowned Super Rugby Unlocked Champions 2020. With the current brand of rugby under the coaching expertise of 2007 World Cup-winning coach Jake White, we are set to see even brighter days for the Pretoria franchise. The squad also has plenty of experience, with youngsters who are known for their lethal finishing and players who have been part of European based clubs.
For me, The Bulls are the complete side in this Currie Cup 2020 tournament – I believe they’ll be able to top the table and be crowned Currie Cup 2020 champions.
Which team are you supporting for the Currie Cup 2020 tournament? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
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