Student vs master in Currie Cup showdown

An explosive start to the 2025 Carling Currie Cup Premier Division awaits this weekend, with a thrilling student-versus-master showdown headlining Sunday’s action as Hawies Fourie’s newly promoted Sanlam Boland Kavaliers host Frans Steyn’s Toyota Cheetahs in Wellington.
The clash pits Boland’s fearless attacking brand, inspired by their SA Cup success, against the tactical precision of Steyn’s seasoned Cheetahs outfit. It’s a compelling narrative of ambition versus experience – a coach on the rise testing himself against a World Cup winner and rugby great.
Boland opener has Steyn sweating
The action begins on Friday with a replay of the SA Cup final between traditional rivals, the Airlink Pumas and Suzuki Griquas, in Nelspruit. Saturday features two mouthwatering clashes, starting with the defending champions, Hollywoodbets Sharks XV, against the Fidelity ADT Lions in Johannesburg at 15h00 – a repeat of their dramatic 2024 final. The day’s action is capped off by a North-South derby between DHL Western Province and the Vodacom Bulls at DHL Stadium in Cape Town from 17h10.
Sunday’s Boland vs Cheetahs battle promises to close the opening round on a high, with the Kavaliers eager to make a statement on their Premier Division return and the Cheetahs looking to lay down an early marker in the competition.
The Currie Cup remains the breeding ground for South Africa’s next generation of Springbok stars. Several members of the Junior Boks’ World Rugby U20 Championship-winning squad are expected to feature later in the tournament after a short break.
Lions close in on series win in Melbourne
The second Test kicks off at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday. Holding a 1–0 lead after their opening win in Brisbane, the Lions face a more battle-hardened Wallabies side. Australia have added key forwards Will Skelton and Rob Valetini to their starting lineup, while the Lions have reshuffled their pack with Andrew Porter at loosehead and Jac Morgan returning to the bench .
Expect a high‑intensity contest as the Lions aim to seal the series and the Wallabies fight to keep alive hopes of a comeback in Sydney.