The wait is over – the 2025 Carling Currie Cup kicks off this weekend, and all eyes will be on Wellington come Sunday as the Toyota Cheetahs open their campaign against the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers. Set for a 15:00 kickoff, the clash will be broadcast live on SuperSport Rugby, promising a fiery start to South Africa’s premier domestic competition.
This year’s edition carries extra intrigue. With a slightly shorter format and every point mattering more than ever, intensity is the name of the game. The Cheetahs, who’ve been one of the dominant sides in recent years, enter the tournament eager to assert early dominance—but the Kavaliers won’t be pushovers at home in the Boland heartland.
Frans Steyn Sets the Tone
Cheetahs Director of Rugby and Head Coach Frans Steyn believes his side is ready to embrace the physical demands of the Currie Cup, drawing confidence from a hard-fought pre-season hit-out against Georgia.
“The one thing I’m glad about from the Georgia game is that we had to lift our physicality to the next level,” said Steyn. “And that’s what you need in the Currie Cup—it’s going to be a tough one. I’m excited to see the players in action. They’ve been working hard.”
Steyn has named a blend of experience and youth for Sunday’s opener, with captain Victor Sekekete leading a forward pack that’ll be expected to lay the groundwork against a Kavaliers team known for their scrappy, never-say-die style.
Sekekete’s Steely Focus
“There’s a lot of competition in the squad,” Sekekete commented. “A number of young, talented guys are putting up their hands, which is great for South African rugby. We know this Currie Cup will be tight. If you don’t score points, you end up playing catch-up rugby—and that’s not where we want to be.”
With the likes of Cohen Jasper at fullback and Ntokozo Makhaza on the wing, expect the Cheetahs to play with flair if their pack can secure the platform. Veteran Clayton Blommetjies also returns on the bench and could be the X-factor later in the game.
The Matchday 23
Starting XV
- Hencus van Wyk
- Marko Janse van Rensburg
- Frankie Dos Reis
- Pieter Jansen van Vuren
- Victor Sekekete (captain)
- Gideon van der Merwe
- Pierre-Raymond Uys
- Neels Volschenk
- Rewan Kruger
- Ethan Wentzel
- Banie Britz
- Ali Mgijima
- Marco Jansen van Vuren
- Ntokozo Makhaza
- Cohen Jasper
Replacements
16. Vernon Paulo
17. Cameron Dawson
18. Ben Pitout
19. Sisonke Vumazonke
20. Daniel Maartens
21. Jandre Nel
22. Carel-Jan Coetzee
23. Clayton Blommetjies
Referee: Stephan Geldenhuys
Injury Watch
Unfortunately, the Cheetahs are without several key players to start the tournament. Among those sidelined are Munier Hartzenberg (hamstring), Carl Wegner (hamstring), Johan Kelly Okonkwo (knee), George Lourens (hand), and Tielman Niewoudt (back). Their absence opens the door for younger names to stamp their mark.
What’s at Stake?
While this is just Round 1, early points are gold in a shortened campaign. With the Bulls, Lions, Sharks, and Pumas all looming large, the Cheetahs know that slipping up against the Kavaliers could leave them chasing the pack. Wellington isn’t an easy place to play either, with passionate home support expected to turn out in numbers.
It’s a fresh Currie Cup season, but the old truths remain—physicality, discipline, and taking your chances will separate contenders from pretenders. And come Sunday, the Toyota Cheetahs aim to show they mean business from the first whistle.
The 2025 Carling Currie Cup has arrived. Let the battle begin.
