It has been 12 years since the Eastern Province has participated in the top flight of South Africa's domestic competition, and they will be desperate to make a mark on their return.
EP Kings vs WP
Western Province travel to Port Elizabeth for the Currie Cup opener against the Eastern Province Kings tonight, knowing they could tread on a banana peel if they are not at the top of their game.
It has been 12 years since the Eastern Province has participated in the top flight of South Africa's domestic competition, and they will be desperate to make a mark on their return.
WP coach Allister Coetzee, who comes from Port Elizabeth, is aware of the importance of the match to the region as constant messages from "home" have reminded him, which is why he has challenged his players to maintain their Super 15 standards.
The Stormers won four of their final five matches in the Super 15 and most of the players involved will be on call in WP colours tonight.
Griquas vs Sharks
All the talk has been about the inexperience of the Sharks because of the players they have shed for the Springbok cause.
But the Sharks have every reason to be confident.
When a Currie Cup side is able to field five Springboks in Tonderai Chavhanga, Marco Wentzel, Stephan Lewies, Lourens Adriaanse and Odwa Ndungane alongside a streetwise veteran like Jacques Botes, there does not seem to be a reason to worry.
It's a tough draw for the Sharks to face the Griquas in Kimberley in the first round, so a core of experienced players will be vital.
The Sharks' back line has an almost Super rugby feel to it with Paul Jordaan pairing up with Sibusiso Sithole at centre. Ndungane, Chavhanga and SP Marais complete a fast, solid outside back unit.
Lions vs Bulls
Frans Ludeke is clearly delighted to be the Pretoria side's head coach in the Currie Cup after a four-year absence.
"It's always a privilege to coach. That's my passion, my job. I love the game and can't get enough of it," Ludeke said.
Ludeke last coached the Bulls in the domestic competition in 2010, and was at the helm when the side won the Currie Cup competition in 2009. The past three seasons have been woeful by Bulls standards, and their best finish under former head coach Pine Pienaar was a semifinal spot in 2012.
Ludeke will be happy to have plenty of experienced players in his side at Ellis Park tomorrow.
Akona Ndungane, JJ Engelbrecht, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Deon Stegmann, Callie Visagie and Dean Greyling will lead the way.
Pumas vs Cheetahs
Tomorrow the Pumas go into their first match in the Currie Cup's top flight for several seasons after winning the Currie Cup first division title last year with an impressive 14-match winning streak.
The Cheetahs have lost top players such as John Goosen and Hennie Daniller to transfers as well as a host of Springboks, making them vulnerable.
Currie Cup Fixtures
Today
Port Elizabeth: EP Kings vs WP (7.10pm)
Tomorrow
Kimberley: Griquas vs Sharks (3pm)
Joburg: Lions vs Bulls (5.05pm)
Nelspruit: Pumas vs Cheetahs (7.10pm)
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