Currie Cup 2014 Predictions: Round 8

Round seven saw most results go pretty much to expectation, the only real surprise being the Sharks’ win over the Bulls, having not won a game in their last three. It was a result picked by 33% of the SuperBru community – what’s in store this week?

Game of the round: Pumas vs Western Province

Traditionally there might be more at stake in the Cheetahs v Bulls game, but in terms of the season and the log, Western Province’s visit to Nelspruit to take on the Pumas is undoubtedly the biggest game of the round.

The Pumas have been a bit of a surprise package this year, and are yet to lose at home at Mbombela Stadium. The Sharks have already suffered a shock defeat there, and so the home players will enter the game full of confidence that they can get another win on home soil.

For Western Province, it is an important game, despite their excellent form so far. They only have a four point buffer over the Lions at the top of the table, and with their closest rivals facing an eminently winnable game against the Griquas this week, the table-toppers need the win to make sure they remain top dogs.

The Pumas are firmly in the hunt for a play-off spot, and with games against two sides below them in the table to come if they can get a win this weekend they will be confident of winning all their remaining games and surging up the table – a home semi-final is not beyond their grasp.

The two sides have not played each other since 2011, but history is very much in favour of the visitors this weekend. It will be a close affair – the Pumas have their proud home record to defend – but I’d still expect Western Province to be too strong for them this weekend. Western Province by 6.

Other SuperBru predictions

Cheetahs vs Bulls: Cheetahs by 10
Sharks vs Eastern Province Kings: Sharks by 25
Griquas vs Lions: Lions by 9

How do you see the weekend going?

By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43