Cheetahs vs Pumas Predictions - Cheetahs to be crowned Currie Cup champs

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 23 Jun 2023

Ralph Staniforth 23 Jun 2023

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Watch the Cheetahs vs Pumas in the Currie Cup final on Saturday (15:00 SAST)
Hosts beat the Pumas comfortably in their last encounter
Can the Pumas retain their title?

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Cheetahs set to win Currie Cup (Getty Images)

Cheetahs vs Pumas Predictions

The Cheetahs come into this match in fine form after two victories against a strong Bulls outfit. At home, I am backing the Cheetahs to cover the -6 handicap.

Cheetahs vs Pumas Predictions
Head to Head
Cheetahs Form
Pumas Form

Cheetahs beat the Pumas in their last match.
Cheetahs have won their last 3 matches.
Pumas are the defending Champions.
Pumas have lost 4 of their last 6 matches.

Head to Head

This season each team has beaten the other away from home. In their last match the Cheetahs beat the Pumas 29-14 in Nelspruit. The Pumas won 61-21 in round five but the Cheetahs fielded a completely second-string squad as they had a Challenge Cup game in Europe that weekend.

Cheetahs Form

The Cheetahs topped the Currie Cup table at the end of the round-robin phase. They were challenged until the end by the Sharks, but in victory in the final week against the Bulls saw the Bloem side take the lead.

That meant the Cheetahs had to host the Bulls in the first semi-final last weekend. While the Cheetahs had been solid all season, the Bulls had just scraped into the playoffs.

The Cheetahs however had to face a Bulls side that had their URC players back with that competition complete. However, the Cheetahs were still more than good enough to win 39-10.

Pumas Form

The Pumas finished third on the overall table after a good but reasonably inconsistent season. As defending champions they were always expected to make an impression and at least challenge for the playoffs.

Four defeats in a row for the Nelspruit outfit put their playoff hopes in serious doubt after a very strong start to the Currie Cup. However, their final round-robin win over last years runners-up, Griquas was enough to secure third place.

Last weekend the Sharks were heavy favourites on home soil. But the Pumas proved yet again what a strong side they are, winning 26-20 at the Shark Tank.