Currie Cup: Sharks unleash strong XV as second round kick-offs confirmed

A powerful Sharks line-up will launch the second round of the Currie Cup on Friday as South Africa’s oldest rugby competition moves into a crucial early phase this weekend.

The Durban side travel to Bloemfontein to face the Cheetahs in the opening fixture of the round, with captain Thomas Dyer leading a settled and experienced Sharks XV as they look to seize early control of the competition.

The Currie Cup – a cornerstone of South African rugby – resumes with a full slate of fixtures across three days, featuring all the traditional powerhouses and ambitious provincial challengers.

Sharks name settled side for Bloemfontein opener

The headline clash of the weekend sees the Cheetahs host the Sharks in Bloemfontein on Friday at 17:00, with the visitors having already confirmed a strong match-day 23.

The Sharks backline is anchored by fly-half Tim Swiel at No 10 and scrum-half Ross Braude at No 9, while Chijindu Okonta lines up at fullback. Out wide, Christie Grobbelaar (14) and Lyle Matthews (11) provide pace on the wings, with Marnus Potgieter (13) and Janco Purchase (12) combining in midfield.

Up front, Thomas Dyer captains the side from No 8, flanked in the back row by Danilo Botha (7) and Willem van den Hever (6). In the second row, Deon Slabbert (5) partners Johan Momsen (4), with a front row of Simphiwe Ngobese (3), hooker Kerron van Vuuren (2) and loosehead prop Cameron Dawson (1).

The Sharks have also named a full replacements bench: Bryce Calvert (16), Jaco du Toit (17), Lee-Marvin Mazibuko (18), Sipho Nonyalela (19), Hanu Pieterse (20), Ceano Everson (21), Chris Horak (22) and Matthew Fortuin (23).

The Cheetahs are yet to confirm their squad for the fixture.

Full second-round Currie Cup fixtures

All four matches in the second round will be staged between Friday and Sunday, with teams jockeying for position in what is expected to be a tightly contested campaign.

Friday, 24 July – Cheetahs v Sharks – 17:00, Bloemfontein

Saturday, 25 July – Lions v Pumas – 15:00 – Griquas v Bulls – 17:00

Sunday, 26 July – Boland Cavaliers v Stormers XXIII – 15:00

While only the Sharks have released a detailed team sheet so far, the remaining unions are expected to confirm their line-ups closer to kick-off.

Lions, Bulls and Stormers set to enter the fray

Saturday will see two key fixtures that could help shape the early table. The Lions host the Pumas at 15:00, with the Johannesburg side looking to lay down a marker at home. The Pumas, traditionally dangerous in knockout and upset scenarios, will be aiming to disrupt one of the bigger unions on their own turf.

Later that day, Griquas face the Bulls in a 17:00 clash. Griquas, long considered one of the competition’s toughest smaller provinces, regularly challenge more established teams in Kimberley. The Bulls, with their deep squad and history of domestic success, will be expected to field a powerful side as they begin their campaign in earnest.

On Sunday, the Boland Cavaliers welcome Stormers XXIII, a selection normally built around extended squad and developing players from the Cape Town franchise. The 15:00 kick-off provides an opportunity for fringe Stormers players to stake their claim, while Boland will look to capitalise on home conditions and local support.

All remaining teams – Lions, Pumas, Griquas, Bulls, Boland Cavaliers and Stormers XXIII – have their match-day squads listed as “TBA” and are due to reveal final selections in the build-up to the weekend.

Historic trophy, modern stakes

The Currie Cup trophy, one of world rugby’s oldest pieces of silverware, remains a coveted prize in the South African game, even as franchises juggle commitments in international club competitions.

With the second round about to kick off, early momentum, squad depth and player management will be under close scrutiny, as unions look to balance tradition with the demands of the modern professional calendar.