J.J. Harmse

Pretoria – It may have taken seven weeks, but the Currie Cup has reaffirmed its status as South Africa’s toughest and most thrilling rugby competition.

A few upsets at the weekend turned the competition on its head and every game over the next six weeks will be a mini play-off, with the log set to change frequently.

It looked a foregone conclusion after five weeks that Western Province (28 points), the Sharks (27 points), the Blue Bulls (25 points) and Griquas (24 points) would make the semifinals. However, things now look very different.

While these four teams still occupy the top four positions, the Cheetahs and Lions (both 20 points) also kept their hopes alive with victories at the weekend.

All six teams are still in with a chance of making a home semi-final.

The Leopards and Boland (both 5 points) have their own struggle against one another as they seek to avoid relegation. They beat each other and a victory over a side in the top six is likely to assure the one of a place above the other.

At the same time, a defeat against the Leopards or Boland can end the hopes of a side in the top six.

The Boland will hope Wellington’s mud can inspire them to shock victories, but the Leopards may hold a bigger threat in their remaining games in Potchefstroom.

The big game of the coming week is the clash between Western Province and the Blue Bulls at Newlands.

In Bloemfontein, either the Cheetahs or the Lions will have their good run interrupted.

Griquas travel to Potchefstroom on Friday for a match that can easily turn their initial euphoria into tears.

The Sharks can also regain their place at the top of the log when they travel to Wellington to play Boland on Friday.