Lions vs Pumas Predictions - Lions to bounce back with a win over the Pumas

The Lions have the advantage over the Pumas, with 15 victories to eight in 23 meetings in the Currie Cup since 2010. 

The Lions came up short in their opening Carling Currie Cup match against the Cheetahs last weekend, losing 29-27 away from home after trailing 16-13 at half-time. 

The Golden Lions had an excellent campaign in last year's competition. They thrashed the Sharks 46-5, defeated Western Province 40-19, lost 29-10 to Boland, edged the Pumas 36-35, lost 47-31 to the Cheetahs, thumped the Bulls 44-5, and beat the Griquas 37-7 during the regular season.

They subsequently thumped the Boland Cavaliers 67-19 in the semi-finals before recording a narrow defeat to the Griquas 27-25 in the final.  

The Lions will be aiming to win the Currie Cup this season after coming up just short in 2025, and will fancy their chances of returning to winning ways when they host the Pumas, as their opponents have been prone to inconsistent performances in recent outings. 

The Pumas mounted a comeback in the second half in their Carling Currie Cup opener against the Hollywoodbets Sharks last weekend, but lost 26-24 at home after trailing 19-5 at the break. 

The team from Mpumalanga lacked consistency during their campaign last season. They beat the Griquas 49-28, lost 42-25 to the Cheetahs, thumped the Bulls 41-7, lost 35-36 to the Lions, 29-26 to Boland, and defeated Western Province 39-13 before losing 19-13 to the Sharks.  

The Airlink Pumas will be disappointed to have started their 2026 Currie Cup season with a defeat and will find the going tough in their second outing when taking on the Lions, as they have failed to beat their opponents in their last four matches.

Likhona Finca scored a hat-trick against the Cheetahs last weekend. 

Latica Nela scored one try in the match. 

Sam Francis landed two conversions and a penalty. 

The Lions team will be added once it has been announced.

Lundi Msenge, Chyle Van Zyl, Tino Swanepoel, and JJ Scheepers each crossed the try line against the Sharks last weekend.

Nevaldo Fleurs slotted two conversions in the match. 

The Pumas line-up for the match against the Lions will be added once it has been announced.

Odds are not yet available but will be added once they are.