Western Province set to meet plenty of familiar faces in Bulls Currie Cup opener
Image: BackpagePix
The Currie Cup is set to kick-off on a high note with a North-South derby between Western Province and the Bulls as South Africa's premier domestic competition starts this weekend.
While both sides will have a keen focus on developing new players with a view on the United Rugby Championship (URC), there could be some added spice to this contest in the DHL Stadium - not that it ever needs any.
A couple of former Stormers players have been included in the Bulls' squad for the campaign, and someone who probably did not reach his potential in the Cape due to some niggling injuries and minimal game time, Nama Xaba, is set to captain the Loftus Versfeld troop.
Feel it, the Carling Currie Cup is here. Be there when we start our campaign with a North-South clash on home turf this Saturday.
🎟️ Get your tickets here https://t.co/Y2U4qC5w8A #wpjoulekkerding pic.twitter.com/oca5zTsB9b — WP RUGBY (@WP_RUGBY) July 21, 2025
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
URC winning lock Marvin Orie, loose forward Junior Pokomela, and prop Lizo Gqoboka are the other Stormers players in the Bulls' jersey, alongside Dylan de Leeuw and Chris Smit, who also played in the Cape for a bit. So, there will be a familiar feel to this game.
According to veteran Western Province hooker Scarra Ntubeni, they will be prepared for what comes their way this weekend.
'There is definitely a lot of experience on their side with guys who have been here, but we have plans for that," Ntubeni said on Monday.
'It is not a big thing, though. We will just focus on executing our plans on the day. They won't also look too much into what we have done in the past, I think. Marvin does bring a lot of experience, but Gary (Porter) has done well for us. It won't be too much of an issue.
'We've put a lot of effort into this campaign and every tournament we enter, we want to win.'
With the junior squads that the Bulls and Sharks announced, and the youngsters WP are set to let loose, it's clear to see that certain teams will be using the Currie Cup as a developmental tournament.
⚪ HOLLYWOODBETS SHARKS XV SQUAD LIST ⚫ pic.twitter.com/9BfsVpt01g — The Sharks (@SharksRugby) July 21, 2025
While it will cause some debate, the South African sides playing in the URC and European tournaments will have to expand their player base to be competitive in both international club tournaments. The Currie Cup provides that opportunity ahead of the start of the URC in October.
Ntubeni is eager to take some young players under his wing and show them the ropes.
'The Currie Cup did take a bit of a dip, but it is the oldest tournament and there is a lot of history. We went to Newlands just so that the guys could absorb that they are playing for WP. With the rich history, they should take it seriously.
'For plenty of them, it is a dream come true. We are encouraging them to work hard and make memories.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
8 hours ago
- IOL News
Could this radical idea bring the glory days back to the Currie Cup?
Poor attendance Very few people attended last weekend's Currie Cup clash between the Lions and Sharks at Ellis Park on Johannesburg. Photo: Alche Greeff/BackpagePix Rugby YouTuber and TikTok content creator Jordan Buhrs has floated an idea on his channel that could resurrect the Currie Cup. South Africa's domestic competition kicked off last weekend with teams struggling for attendance. In the United Rugby Championship era, the Currie Cup has struggled for relevance. In stark contrast to previous years, last year's final between the Lions and the Sharks at Ellis Park did not attract a full house. Buhrs, in a video posted on his TikTok channel Jordan Buhrs Rugby, suggested the tournament deserves a major shake-up to build up the hype and bring back its glory years.
The South African
9 hours ago
- The South African
Lions lure future Springbok superstar Bathobele Hlekani from Sharks
The Lions have pulled off a major recruitment coup ahead of the next United Rugby Championship (URC) season, with Junior Springbok star Bathobele Hlekani set to make the move from Durban to Johannesburg. The 20-year-old utility forward, who was born in Zwide in the Eastern Cape and educated at Graeme College, starred for South Africa at the recent World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy, will join the Lions squad following the conclusion of the 2025 Currie Cup. Hlekani played a key role in helping the Junior Boks lift the U20 title for the first time since 2012, showcasing his versatility, physicality, and tactical awareness. His performances earned him a call-up to the Springboks' two-week conditioning camp in Johannesburg, alongside fellow Junior Springboks Haashim Pead and Cheswill Jooste. ALSO READ | Paarl Gimnasium vs Paarl Boys' High: Every Springbok produced Although currently part of the Sharks' Currie Cup squad, Hlekani did not feature in their opening match against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday, as he was rested following a demanding international schedule. Hlekani made his senior debut for the Sharks in the 2024 Currie Cup and came off the bench in their European Challenge Cup Round-of-16 clash against French giants Lyon in April. Hlekani's upcoming switch bucks the recent trend of young talent heading from Johannesburg to Durban, and strengthens a Lions side already busy in the transfer market. The union recently secured scrumhalf Haashim Pead through to 2028 and snapped up a trio of schoolboy stars from Grey College – Ethan Adams, Sherwin Buys, and David Hayidakis – widely regarded as some of the most exciting young prospects in South African rugby. The move signals the Lions' intent to rebuild and compete aggressively in both the URC and domestic competitions, with a clear focus on emerging talent and long-term squad development. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
Mabasa eyes club record as Pirates plot Sundowns' downfall
Orlando Pirates' Tshegofatso Mabasa has his sights set on breaking the club's scoring record in the upcoming season. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa says his side will need a shift in mindset if they are to dethrone Mamelodi Sundowns, who have dominated the league for the past eight seasons. Pirates appear best placed to have another strong campaign, having emerged as the side most likely to challenge Sundowns after addressing the loose ends — with new player additions set to strengthen the squad this season. The Buccaneers are returning to the CAF Champions League, but with the league title also a major priority — having missed out for over a decade — consistency will be key in achieving their targets. Mabasa, who has been crucial for the Soweto giants over the past three seasons, believes the team needs to adopt the right mentality to overcome what has become a well-oiled Sundowns machine. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'We know we are up against a points machine, it's very rare for them to slip up in the league. Mabasa said at the premier of his sides documentary series Giants. 'That is the sort of mentality that we also have to develop as a team, we saw what happened last season, we won the first seven games and then we lost against Stellenbosch FC, and then the gap started to open up at three points.' The Sea Robbers started strongly last season but struggled to maintain the level of consistency needed to go toe-to-toe with the Brazilians. Mabasa added that they must shut down areas of weakness and be more consistent by learning from their past failures. 'We tried to play catch up as much as possible, but unfortunately it didn't happen even though we had the games in hand but this season it's all about trying to be consistent in terms of winning as many games as possible. 'It's normal to have a loss in a season because that is when you get to see the mistakes you're making and you're able to learn and correct them, hopefully it happens in a not so important game or it's mistakes we can recover from and not ones that will be detrimental to our season like the ones we made last season.' The Buccaneers striker didn't get as much game time as he would have liked — especially after winning the golden boot the season prior — with strong competition from teammate Evidence Makgopa limiting his minutes on the field. 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐈𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 We are now less than a week away from the start of the 2025/26 season. Let the games begin! ⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways — Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) July 28, 2025 Despite limited appearances, the 28-year-old made an impact when called upon and enters the new season in high spirits, hoping for more regular involvement. Mabasa is also closing in on club legend Benedict Vilakazi's all-time top scorer mark, as he currently stands on 46 goals — just six behind Vilakazi's tally of 52 — a milestone he hopes to reach early this season. 'I am looking to have a big season,' Mabasa continued. 'I think I am10 or 11 goals away and I want to achieve that record before the AFCON starts. 'It's possible, we have five games in August, six with the MTN8, so I don't see why not. I don't see pressure, it's about speaking things into existence and into life, and they will happen.'
