The Currie Cup\u2019s reigning champions, the Cheetahs, will begin the defence of their title with a Free State derby against the Griffons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The champions will play host against their northern rivals from Welkom in this tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pulsating match will be in the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday, 6 July. Kick-off is at 13:30. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The hosts are looking to continue making the venue a happy hunting ground against the Griffons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last year they reigned supreme in a tough final against the Pumas, winning 25 \u2013 17, extending their record of six wins in the prestigious tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Cheetahs\u2019 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following new developments, the competition will be staged over one-and-a-half rounds, followed by two semifinals and the grand finale. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The top-seeded eight teams are divided into two pools of four, each by virtue of last year\u2019s standings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pool A will consist of the Cheetahs (ranked number one last year), the Vodacom Bulls (4), DHL Western Province (5), and the Griffons (8). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pool B sees the Sharks (2), Pumas (3), Lions (6) and the Griquas (7) grouped together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Teams will play home and away matches within their respective pools, plus a single round of matches against sides in the opposite pool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two-top ranked teams in each pool will automatically progress to the semifinals on 14 September. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The winners thereof will then meet in the final on 21 September, to battle it out to annex South Africa\u2019s premier rugby championship. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Currie Cup\u2019s reigning champions, the Cheetahs, will begin the defence of their title with a Free State derby against the 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