SINCE 2005 the Free State Cheetahs have lost only three matches out of 12 against the Sharks and while that, at a first glance, makes them the favourites for tomorrow’s Absa Currie Cup match in Bloemfontein, the Sharks’ 21-12 victory in their most recent encounter (last year) should not be forgotten.

Five Free State wins from six games in Bloemfontein will, therefore, count for naught as the two sides vie for log supremacy.

On the other hand, the Free Staters have just come off that good win against the Blue Bulls last weekend and are hungry for success.

To cash in on their Bloemfontein win against Free State last season, the Sharks have to show that last weekend’s hesitant 27-17 win against the Pumas was an exception.

Another tight game should take place in Johannesburg where the Blue Bulls will start as favourites against the Lions, but only because they are defending champions.

They have not impressed this season and have lost two out of three matches and simply have to win tomorrow to get back on track.

The Lions have an exciting backline for what could be a classic derby encounter between two neighbours, and it will be up to their pack to hold their own against the Blue Bulls.

It’s not a game to bet on with certainty, but the Leopards at home have, from time to time, sprung surprises. They play Griquas in Potchefstroom tonight and away matches have never been the Kimberley team’s strongest point, although they did better in that area last season.

The scrummaging of Griquas and the halfback pairing of scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius and captain Naas Olivier should however keep Griquas among the top sides.

For all their guts, the Pumas are unlikely to upset Western Province at Newlands tonight.

In the first division, the Boland Cavaliers are at home to the EP Kings in Wellington tomorrow.

These two sides and the Griffons, who are at home to the SWD Eagles, look the top teams in this competition. The result in Wellington is therefore important in a competition where the sides play only 10 matches in their two rounds.

One can expect the Kings, now that they have been accepted into what will be the Super 16 from 2013 onwards, to gradually up the quality of their rugby from now on, with new faces already noticeable in their line-ups as they slowly start pursuing their dream. – Sapa