Their heavy defeat in Durban last week (35-16) would’ve given the Vodacom Blue Bulls enough motivation to set the record straight against the Toyota Free State Cheetahs in Pretoria on Saturday afternoon.
Last season, the Free Staters beat the team from Pretoria twice and one has to go back to the Absa Currie Cup final of 2009 for the Vodacom Blue Bulls last victory over the Toyota FS Cheetahs (36-24).
The Toyota FS Cheetahs started the season well and currently occupy first position on the Absa Currie Cup Premier Division log. They beat the Platinum Leopards by 40-12 in Bloemfontein, but a trip to Pretoria is a different kettle of fish and the team from Bloemfontein knows that, especially since the Vodacom Blue Bulls would be hurting from their season opener.
The battle upfront will again be crucial, with the Free Staters travelling to Pretoria with a strong pack. This is one area where the Vodacom Blue Bulls struggled against The Sharks last week.
“It was a poor start and we all know that,” said Vodacom Blue Bulls coach Pine Pienaar. “The Free State will require a great effort and we will have no choice but to respond. No one can afford losing at home in this competition.
“Our set phase play will improve as we spend more time together and I think it will be better by this weekend. It is our first home game and it is important to us as a side to we do well this coming weekend.”
Date: Saturday, 23 July
Kick-off: 17:05
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan
The last time these teams met in Absa Currie Cup: 11 September 2010, Toyota FS Cheetahs won by 20-14 in Bloemfontein
This weekend’s Currie Cup matches:
- Ford Pumas vs The Sharks: Friday, 22 July 19:00 at the Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
- Platinum Leopards vs DHL Western Province: Friday, 22 July 19:10 at the Profert Olën Park, Potchefstroom
- GWK Griquas vs MTN Golden Lions: Saturday, 23 July 15:00 at the GWK Park, Kimberley
- Vodacom Blue Bulls vs Toyota Free State Cheetahs: Saturday, 23 July 17:05 at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
- Tasol Solar Griffons vs Regent Boland Cavaliers: Friday, 22 July 15:00a at the orth West Stadium, Welkom
- Border Bulldogs vs EP Kings: Friday, 22 July 19:00 at the Buffalo City Stadium, East London
