Currie Cup 2014 Predictions: Round 10

Upsets were few and far between in round nine, with the closest thing being the Sharks’ win over the Lions – although even that was picked by 54% of the SuperBru community. What’s in store in the final round of the regular season then?

Game of the round: Western Province vs Sharks

This is always a big game in the calendar, but there is particular intrigue surrounding it this time. The reason for this is because of when it has fallen – round ten – and the fact that it means only one of these sides has anything left to play for. And, of course, because of the Sharks’ win in this game in the final last year.

Western Province have wrapped up top spot a week early after their round nine win over the Cheetahs, and have, as a result, opted to rest the majority of their first choice players, who have done such a stirling job for them so far. Eight of their run-on team have not started a game yet this season.

That, then, opens the door ever so slightly for the Sharks. The top four spots will likely be sewn up already by the time this game comes around – the Lions play the Cheetahs at home in the game before, and a win will see them take second spot on the log, and the home semi-final that goes with it. If the Lions lose, however, the Sharks will have even more motivation to win.

All of which makes it very difficult to call. Looking at form this season, it should be an easy win for Western Province, but given the number of changes they’ve made to their team, and the fact that this game will have very little effect on them psychologically, I’m calling an away win and for the Sharks to take some good momentum into the play-offs. Sharks by 5.

Other SuperBru Predictions

EP Kings vs Pumas: Pumas by 12
Lions vs Cheetahs: Lions by 16
Blue Bulls vs Griquas: Bulls by 25

How do you see the weekend going? What have you picked on SuperBru?

By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43