Cheetahs bank on Sias

The Free State Cheetahs will look to flyhalf Sias Ebersohn to control the game when they meet the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in a second round Currie Cup clash.

Ebersohn was one of the revelations of the Super 15 and ended up as the top Cheetahs scorer with 179 points, despite missing the first few rounds of the campaign. His ability to run, kick, pass and defend caught the eye this year. A good Currie Cup campaign will translate into a successful run for the Cheetahs.

After losing their opening fixture of the season, the Blue Bulls couldn't have asked for a tougher opponent than the Cheetahs to put their campaign back on a winning footing.

The two sides have won seven of the past 10 Currie Cup titles between them, which included the shared trophy in 2006, but this season the Bulls will be hard-pressed to add another title.

Thanks to Springbok call-ups, the Pretoria side is fielding a team lacking experience in crucial positions, while also working under new coach Pine Pienaar.

The Cheetahs, by contrast, are used to operating on a shoestring budget and have a history of successfully bringing new young players through the ranks.

Although they are also without a few Springboks, they have continuity in coach Naka Drotske and a healthy approach to adversity, something they were used to during the Super rugby season.

The Sharks, still upbeat after a positive start to the tournament last week, face a tricky encounter against the Pumas in Nelspruit tonight.

The Pumas probably missed a trick by not playing in icy Witbank on a rock-hard field. Nelspruit's Mbombela stadium is a superior stadium, but it holds no fears for the Sharks.

The rough myndorp of Witbank is alien to most Sharks players, and they would have been guaranteed a hostile reception from Pumas fans. In Nelspruit, supporters will be more casual, rather than hardened Pumas fans.

The Pumas ran the Lions close last week, losing 31-27 at Ellis Park. That performance will have boosted their confidence.

Sharks coach John Plumtree has spent the week warning his charges not to be complacent after so easily beating the Bulls.

Western Province head for Potchefstroom to meet the Leopards tonight, using their sixth flyhalf of the season in Demetri Catrakilis after Gary van Aswegen was ruled out for another 10 to12 weeks with a knee injury.

Catrakilis couldn't have asked for a softer introduction to the Currie Cup than against North West's perennial strugglers.

Griquas host the Golden Lions in Kimberley tomorrow, where the home team start as favourites after their draw against WP in Cape Town last week.

They are still without star scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius but have enough backline talent and forward strength to ensure the Lions will be in a fight.

CURRIE CUP FIXTURES

TONIGHT

Witbank: Pumas vs Sharks, 7pm

Potchefstroom: Leopards vs Western Province, 7.10pm

TOMORROW

Kimberley: Griquas vs Lions, 3pm

Loftus: Blue Bulls vs Free State Cheetahs, 5pm