Pumas vs Cheetahs Preview & Tips - Visitors can stake a claim for the semi's with win in Nelspruit

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 20 Aug 2021

Ralph Staniforth 20 Aug 2021

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Pumas vs Cheetahs predictions for Saturday’s Currie Cup fixture
Match is being played at 10:45 BST at the Mbombela Stadium
Can the Cheetahs keep their semi-final hopes alive?
Preview, tips, stats & team news

Expired

Cheetahs beat the Pumas 17-16 earlier this season (Getty Images)

Pumas vs Cheetahs Preview & Tips

The Cheetahs will look to build on their momentum gained in midweek when the defeated Griquas. A victory will keep their playoff hopes alive.

Cheetahs have won 5 of their last 6 matches against the Pumas.
Cheetahs won their last match against Griquas.
Pumas are winless in 4 of their last 5 matches.

Head to Head

The Cheetahs have won five of their last six matches against the Pumas. It was the Cheetahs who won 17-16 when the two met in Bloemfontein earlier this season.

Pumas Form

The Pumas come into this match knowing that victory could mean a place in the semi-finals for the first time in more than a decade. They currently reside in fourth spot on 28 points and depending on other results, could move into third with a win.

It has been a superb season for the perennial underdogs from Nelspruit. They did lose 17-16 to the Cheetahs earlier this season but since then results have improved.

Last weekend the Pumas staged a late comeback to draw 40-40 against Western Province. That took plenty out of them and the results were clear in midweek.

The Pumas were brilliant against the Bulls on Wednesday and led comfortably but allowed the defending champs to come back at win 33-26. They crucially picked up a losing bonus point though.

Pumas Team News

Defeat will only dent the Pumas chances of making the playoffs. They will still want to secure a knockout spot with victory so we expect them to remain largely unchanged from Wednesday’s game.

Cheetahs Form

The Cheetahs are currently sixth on the Currie Cup table and only two points off the final playoff spot. With two matches to play in the round robin stage, this is a must-win for the Free State outfit.

After disappointing run of no wins in four matches, the Cheetahs finally managed to get over the line in their last match. They beat Griquas 33-32 at the Toyota Stadium.

Prior to that the Cheetahs had lost twice to the Sharks, once to Western Province and drew against the Lions. Disappointing defence cost them dearly as three of those four matches could easily have fallen in their favour.

Cheetahs Team News

The Cheetahs simply must win this encounter against the Pumas to remain in the hunt for a semi-final birth. Minimal changes are expected but we could see Robert Ebersohn make his first start since returning to the Cheetahs.

Pumas vs Cheetahs FAQ

Where can I watch Pumas vs Cheetahs live stream?

Check our live streaming calendar to see where to watch Pumas vs Cheetahs live stream.

Verdict

Pumas v Cheetahs

The Cheetahs must beat the Pumas in Nelspruit to remain in the hunt for a Currie Cup playoff birth. After finding some form last time out, we are backing the Cheetahs to get that win.

Cheetahs Win

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