The Currie Cup’s reigning champions, the Cheetahs, will begin the defence of their title with a Free State derby against the Griffons.
The champions will play host against their northern rivals from Welkom in this tournament.
The pulsating match will be in the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday, 6 July. Kick-off is at 13:30.
The hosts are looking to continue making the venue a happy hunting ground against the Griffons.
Last year they reigned supreme in a tough final against the Pumas, winning 25 – 17, extending their record of six wins in the prestigious tournament.
The Cheetahs’ technical team, led by head coach Izak van der Westhuizen, Albert Keuris (backline and kicking coach) and Charl Strydom (defense coach), will look to make a positive start against the Griffons.
Following new developments, the competition will be staged over one-and-a-half rounds, followed by two semifinals and the grand finale.
The top-seeded eight teams are divided into two pools of four, each by virtue of last year’s standings.
Pool A will consist of the Cheetahs (ranked number one last year), the Vodacom Bulls (4), DHL Western Province (5), and the Griffons (8).
Pool B sees the Sharks (2), Pumas (3), Lions (6) and the Griquas (7) grouped together.
Teams will play home and away matches within their respective pools, plus a single round of matches against sides in the opposite pool.
The two-top ranked teams in each pool will automatically progress to the semifinals on 14 September.
The winners thereof will then meet in the final on 21 September, to battle it out to annex South Africa’s premier rugby championship.
Tickets are already available through ticketpro.co.za, selling at R70 for a main stand seat, R40 for a seat on the open stand, and R30 for students and children.
