Vodacom Cup R1 Preview

South Africa’s Vodacom Cup is set to kick-off this weekend. It might not be one of the premier competitions in rugby, but it sees the smaller unions playing against their bigger counter parts. It gives them a chance to prepare for the Currie Cup 1st division, while the bigger unions keep players fit if they need them in SupeRugby. The Pampas from Argentina also gets a chance to play against good oposition. Here is look at what to expectthis weekend.

Sharks XV v Border Bulldogs

The Sharks should not struggle to much against the Bulldogs, but it is still not an easy game. The Sharks will look to play some running rugby and the Bulldogs defence will be tested. The Bulldogs on their part will want to perform as it might just see some of their players get a chance in SupeRugby should the Southern Kings need it later on in the season.

Prediction: Sharks to win by 14 or more.

SWD v Free State XV

SWD is not a team top take lightly on their home ground and again their players will look to impress as it might see them in a SupeRugby slot later in the season. Free State has not had a good run opf late in any competition. This is one competition that they will want excel in. Again it will be a game with lots of running rugby as both teams are known for this.

Prediction: Free State by 7

Boland Cavaliers v WP

WP has fallen prey to the Cavaliers many time sin the past in Paarl and this might just be the case again. The defending champions will however want to start the season with a convincing win. The youngsters will try and run at every opportunity. The Cavaliers have shown in the past that they can compete against the bi9gger unions in the Vodacom CUp and they will want to show their cousins from the Mother City just what they are made of. This shoiuld be an interesting game to watch.

Prediction: WP by 10

Griquas v Blue Bulls

Well even in the Currie Cup the Bulls have lost many a game here in Kimberley. A young bulls side will want to avoid this, but playing against a near full strenght Griquas side will probably be their undoing. Griquas is always a difficult proposition here in Kimberley and they have the compition a couple of times before. They play an exciting brand of rugby. This will probably be the game of the weekend in Vodacom Cup rugby.

Prediction: Griquas by 7

Pumas v Falcons

Two of South Africa’s minows taking on each other. This is one of those games where no one is sure what to expect. Not even the coaches are sure who will win ort should be the stronger team. What i do know is that the Pumas in Witbank or eMahlahleni is not an easy game. The Pumas has been a force in teh Currie Cup 1st Division while the Falcons have faltered away over the last couple of seasons.

Prediction: Pumas by 10 – only because they are playing at home.

Limpopo v Griffons

Prediction: Griffons – only because they have been around for a while.

Golden Lions v Leopards

Two cousins taking each other on in the City of Gold. The Lions should have the stronger team and win this one with easy. It will be interesting to see how many of the players currently involved in the Lions CHallenge will play in this game. The Leopards is a team that will never stop fighting and thi9s makes a game against them very interesting. Both teams can play expansive rugby and it should be a game full of exciting rugby.

Prediction: Lions by 14 or more

EP Kings v Pampas

The Pampas should have the upperhand in this game. The Kings team are depleted as most of their players are involved with teh Southern Kings in SupeRugby. Still they are not a team to be under estimated. The rise to SupeRugby has given the region a boost in confidence. The Pampas are always a difficult team to just beat. Seeing as this is the first round they might not be at full strenght yet because of travels from Argentina to SA.

Prediction: EP Kings in a nail biter.

Enjoy the rugby.