Currie Cup: Five teams battle for two semi-final places in decisive final round

The 2026 Currie Cup Premier Division reaches a dramatic conclusion this weekend, with five teams competing for the two remaining semi-final places.

Defending champions Griquas and the Cheetahs have already secured their places in the play-offs and occupy the top two positions in the table. The Pumas, Boland Kavaliers, Stormers XXIII, Lions and Sharks XV are still in contention, while the winless Bulls XV are out of the running.

Two matches will be played in Johannesburg and Durban on Friday, followed by one in Nelspruit on Saturday before the league phase concludes in Wellington on Sunday. Every match will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

The Pumas are in the strongest position among the chasing teams with 17 points. Boland Kavaliers and Stormers XXIII are both on 16, the Lions have 15 and Sharks XV are on 13. Bulls XV have collected only five points.

The opening match is at 10Bet Ellis Park on Friday, where the Lions host Stormers XXIII at 17h05. Sharks XV then meet Bulls XV at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban, with kick-off scheduled for 19h15.

On Saturday, the Pumas welcome the Cheetahs to Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit for a 14h00 start. The final match of the round sees Boland Kavaliers face Griquas at Boland Stadium in Wellington on Sunday, beginning at 15h00.

With Griquas and the Cheetahs also competing for first place, the final standings could remain uncertain until the last whistle. The five teams below them are separated by only four points, meaning bonus points and points difference may have a major influence on the semi-final line-up.

Pumas in charge of their own fate

The Pumas know a win against the Cheetahs would take them beyond the reach of the teams below them. Even a losing bonus point could prove sufficient, depending on results elsewhere, although the Mpumalanga side will be keen to avoid relying on other clubs.

Boland Kavaliers and Stormers XXIII are just one point behind the Pumas, increasing the importance of the match at Mbombela Stadium.

The Cheetahs have won four of the two sides’ past five meetings. That run includes a 42-25 victory in Bloemfontein during last year’s second round. The Pumas’ most recent win over the Free Staters came earlier this year, when they recorded a 42-36 victory in the SA Cup semi-final.

The closest direct contest of the round is in Johannesburg. A victory for Stormers XXIII would take them to at least 20 points, while the Lions could also move into the top four with a home win. Bonus points accumulated in other matches could still affect the final calculation.

The Lions have won four of the teams’ past five meetings, including the last three. Stormers XXIII’s only victory in that sequence was a 44-28 success in March 2023.

Sharks need help from elsewhere

Sharks XV are the outsiders in the race and must defeat Bulls XV, preferably while claiming a bonus point, before hoping the teams above them drop points.

Their 13-point total means qualification would require several results to go their way. However, with two semi-final places still available, Sharks XV will have every reason to apply pressure to the rest of the chasing group.

The teams have each won two of their past five meetings, with the other match drawn. Bulls XV recorded a 64-0 victory when the sides met in Pretoria in last year’s second round.

For Boland Kavaliers, the equation is straightforward but demanding. They finish their campaign against holders Griquas on Sunday and will know by then precisely what is required.

A win would give Boland a strong chance of reaching the semi-finals for a second consecutive season. Bonus points could also keep them in contention if the results in Johannesburg and Nelspruit are favourable, making the Wellington match a potential decider.

Griquas won the corresponding second-round fixture 48-39 in Kimberley last season. The Northern Cape side also arrive in better recent form, having won four of their past five matches in all competitions since losing 25-19 to Stormers XXIII in the opening round.

Boland have won three of their past five games, against Bulls XV, Stormers XXIII and Lions.

If two or more teams finish level on log points after Sunday’s final match, their positions will be settled according to the permutations set out in section 25.1.6 of SA Rugby’s General Competition Rules.

Lions vs Stormers XXIII Date: Friday, 28 August 2026 Venue: 10Bet Ellis Park, Johannesburg Kick-off: 17h05 Referee: Christopher Allison TV: SuperSport

Sharks XV vs Bulls XV Date: Friday, 28 August 2026 Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban Kick-off: 19h15 Referee: Morne Ferreira TV: SuperSport

Pumas XV vs Cheetahs Date: Saturday, 29 August 2026 Venue: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit Kick-off: 14h00 Referee: Hanru van Rooyen TV: SuperSport

Boland Kavaliers vs Griquas Date: Sunday, 30 August 2026 Venue: Boland Stadium, Wellington Kick-off: 15h00 Referee: Griffin Colby TV: SuperSport