Lions vs Sharks Predictions - Lions to cover in Currie Cup opener

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 25 Jul 2025

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Simon Lewis 25 Jul 2025

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Lions vs Sharks is a rematch of the 2024 Currie Cup final.
Lions boast a strong lineup, poised to win the upcoming match.
Sharks are defending champions, won the last final with a late penalty.

Sharks are the defending Currie Cup champions. (Getty Images)

Lions vs Sharks Predictions

This is a repeat of the 2024 Currie Cup final, a match the Sharks won with a late penalty. However, given the squads of the two sides, I am backing the Lions to win this one comfortably.

Lions vs Sharks Predictions
Head to Head
Lions Form
Lions Team News
Sharks Form
Sharks Team News

Lions won 11 of their 14 matches last season.
Lions reached the final of the 2024 Currie Cup.
Sharks are the defending Currie Cup champions.

Head to Head

The Sharks beat the Lions in the 2024 Currie Cup final.

Lions Form

The Lions topped the Currie Cup table last season, ending with 10 wins from their 12 matches. In the semi-final, they defeated to the Cheetahs.

Unfortunately, despite going into the final as favourites against the Sharks, the Lions suffered a heartbreaking defeat late on in the game. This season they are certainly title contenders once again and have named a strong squad for the tournament.

Lions Team News

The Lions have a very strong squad with numerous players from their URC squad. These include Kade Wolhuter, Gianni Lombard and Rabz Maxwane. They also have the services of U20 world champion scrumhalf, Haashim Pead, however, the youngster is currently training with the national side.

Sharks Form

The Sharks come into the 2025 Currie Cup as defending champions. They defeated the Lions in the 2024 final.

After finishing third on the table, the Sharks beat the Bulls in the semi-final, a match that went to extra time. In a dramatic final, the Durban-based side beat the Lions with an incredible late penalty from 60 meters out.

Sharks Team News

The Sharks have not announced many URC players in their Currie Cup squad. They will be captained by Nicholas Hatton while Bathobele Hlekani is also in the squad after winning the U20 World Rugby Championship recently.

Verdict

Lions v Sharks

I am backing the Lions to cover the -11 handicap against the defending champions.

Lions -11

Handicap

@10/11 - 3 Units

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