This weekend’s Currie Cup fixtures are set to be electrifying, as nine players have been released to their franchises by Bok coach Rassie Erasmus to gain valuable game time before next week’s match against Portugal.
Of these nine players, six boast Test caps and will rejoin the Boks on Sunday.
The Sharks have emerged as the primary beneficiaries, with prop Trevor Nyakane, wing Makazole Mapimpi, center Andre Esterhuizen, and fullback Aphelele Fassi all named in the starting lineup. Esterhuizen will also make his long-awaited return to the Sharks squad after a couple of stellar seasons at Harlequins. Additionally, uncapped loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi will make his start, while Lukhanyo Am returns but won’t see game time.
For the Lions, one-cap wing Edwill van der Merwe will start, and scrumhalf Morné van den Berg will come off the bench.
Highlighting the weekend’s action, the defending champions, the Cheetahs, will face off against Western Province in what promises to be a thrilling encounter in Bloemfontein. Meanwhile, the Pumas are ready to continue their winning ways as they take on the Lions this weekend in Mbombela.