It’s the traditional North/South-derby in Cape Town on Saturday, with both DHL Western Province and the Vodacom Blue Bulls coming off good victories into this highly anticipated clash.
These sides are the two most successful in the history of Absa Currie Cup, with 54 outright or shared titles between them out of the 70 times the Cup has been contested since 1892 (WP won the Board Trophy in 1889). Last year each won their respective home game, which will give DHL WP a little bit more to play for on Saturday.
Both sides have been hit with Springbok call-ups to an extent that most of their experienced players are not available, but that, says Vodacom Blue Bulls coach Pine Pienaar, is not an issue.
“The players that are there are still quality players and have done well in the past. WP had a tough game in Potchefstroom and they did well. Against Griquas they came back after a bad start. They are a quality side with a good mix of experience and some youngsters. So its going to be a tough one,” said Pienaar.
“They showed against the Leopards they want a high paced game. But they can play a territorial game as well and have some good defences. So its up to us handle whatever they give and to apply our own pressure this week.”
Pienaar was also happy with his side’s fightback against the Toyota FS Cheetahs last weekend: “We wanted to get a good start at home, and the guys showed a lot of character coming back from 17-3 down. But as I said to the team on Monday – the win over the Cheetahs is in the past. Our focus is now on Province and it will be a tough game.”
Saturday 30 July: DHL Western Province vs Vodacom Blue Bulls, kick-off at 17:05 in DHL Newlands, Cape Town. Referee: Craig Joubert
Last year in Absa Currie Cup:
- 14 August – DHL WP won 15-12 in Cape Town
- 2 October – Vodacom Blue Bulls won 36-32 in Pretoria
Fixtures:
- Friday 29 July: Regent Boland Cavaliers vs Valke, kick-off at 15:00 in Boland Stadium, Wellington. Referee: Joey Salmans
- Friday 29 July: EP Kings vs Tasol Solar Griffons, kick-off at 19:00 in Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth. Referee: Pro Legoete
- Friday 29 July: SWD Eagles vs Border Bulldogs, kick-off at 19:00 in Outeniqua Park, George. Referee: Lourens van der Merwe
- Friday 29 July: Ford Pumas vs GWK Griquas, kick-off at 19:00 in the Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit. Referee: Marius Jonker
- Saturday 30 July: South Africa vs New Zealand, kick off at 09:35 in Wellington.
- Saturday 30 July: The Sharks vs Toyota Free State Cheetahs, kick-off at 15:00 in Mr Price Kings Park, Durban. Referee: Jason Jaftha
- Saturday 30 July: DHL Western Province vs Vodacom Blue Bulls, kick-off at 17:05 in DHL Newlands, Cape Town. Referee: Craig Joubert
- Saturday 30 July: MTN Golden Lions vs Platinum Leopards, kick-off at 17:00 in Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg. Referee: Sindile Mayende
