Natal Sharks vs Free State Cheetahs Predictions - Cheetahs to hand Sharks another Currie Cup defeat

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 3 hours ago

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Sharks have suffered heavy defeats in first two matches.
Cheetahs predicted to cover -5.5 handicap; could win by 13+ points.
Opportunity for Cheetahs to rest key players against young Sharks squad.

Free State Cheetahs won their last match. (Getty Images)

Natal Sharks vs Free State Cheetahs Predictions

While the Sharks are one of the bigger sides in SA rugby, they have a very young squad and have paid the price in the opening two rounds. I am backing the Cheetahs to cover the -5.5 handicap. I’d go as far as to say I expect the Cheetahs to win by 13+ points.

Natal Sharks vs Free State Cheetahs Predictions
Head to Head
Natal Sharks Form
Natal Sharks Team News
Free State Cheetahs Form
Free State Cheetahs Team News

Natal Sharks have lost their last 2 matches.
Natal Sharks have conceded 48 & 64 points in their last 2 matches.
Free State Cheetahs won their last match.

Head to Head

The Sharks beat the Cheetahs 25-20 in Bloemfontein last season.

Natal Sharks Form

The Sharks are the defending Currie Cup champions after winning the 2024 semi-final and final in dramatic style. However, thus far in 2025, things have not gone according to plan.

In round one, the young Sharks side were thrashed 46-5 away from home by the Lions, the side they beat in the 2024 final. Then last week, against the Bulls, the side the Sharks beat in the 2024 semi-final, humiliated the Natal team 64-0.

Natal Sharks Team News

The Sharks have struggled in the opening two rounds, but they do have a very young squad for this season. While the scorelines may change, I don’t see the Sharks team, whoever they pick, competing against the Cheetahs.

Free State Cheetahs Form

The Cheetahs are the darling side of South African rugby and although they have won numerous Currie Cup titles over the last decade, they continue to struggle to find regular rugby after being removed from the URC.

The Free State outfit suffered a shock defeat in round one this season, losing 37-35 to the newly promoted Boland. However, they showed their class last weekend on home soil, bouncing back with a 42-25 victory over the Pumas.

Free State Cheetahs Team News

Given the results of the Sharks already, this may be an opportunity for the Cheetahs to rest some key players.

Verdict

Sharks v Cheetahs

The Free State Cheetahs are backed to cover the -5.5 handicap and win by 13+ points.

Cheetahs -5.5

Handicap

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Cheetahs by 13+

Winning Margin

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