Currie Cup log: Can the Sharks still reach the semi-finals?

The Sharks could still make the Currie Cup semi-finals if everything goes their way.

The Durban side are a lowly seventh on the log, but only three points behind the fourth-placed Boland Cavaliers.

So, what do the Sharks need to do?

First up, Friday night’s clash against the Bulls at Hollywoodbets Kings Park is a must-win- and a bonus point will be vital.

The South African looks at the Currie Cup log and semi-final permutations ahead of the final round of matches.

Currie Cup log ahead of the final round

Data from the SA Rugby website shows that the Griquas have secured their place in the Currie Cup semi-finals.

The defending champions have five wins from six games and have 26 points on the table. They lead the Cheetahs, who also have 26 points, but trail on points difference.

The Pumas are in third place with 17 points, having won three of their six games.

Boland are holding fourth place, level with Stormers XXIII, but ahead on points difference.

The Lions are sixth overall on 15 points, two points clear of the Sharks in seventh spot.

The Blue Bulls are the only team with no chance of reaching the semi-finals, having lost all six games in the competition.

Final round fixtures as Currie Cup nears business end

The Currie Cup wraps up this weekend, beginning with two crucial games on Friday, 28 August.

At Ellis Park, the Lions host the Stormers at 17:05. The Sharks then welcome the Bulls to Kings Park at 19:15.

On Saturday, 29 August the Pumas face the Cheetahs at the Mbombela Stadium at 14:00.

The Cavaliers then host the Griquas at the Boland Stadium on Sunday, 30 August at 15:00.

What do the Sharks need to qualify?

Simple answer: beat the Bulls and score 4+ tries to secure a bonus point, then hope other games work out for them.

Win with a bonus point:

The Sharks would sit on 18 points, ahead of Pumas and Boland.

If the Stormers lose to the Lions in Johannesburg in the earlier game, this would see the Sharks in fourth.

Likewise, a draw at Ellis Park would leave the Sharks in semi-final contention.

They would also need the Pumas to lose against the Cheetahs without a bonus point, and the Griquas to defeat Boland.

Win without a bonus point:

The Sharks would sit on 17 points, ahead of Boland.

If the Stormers earned a single point against the Lions, the Durban side would be out.

Even a draw at Ellis Park would see the Sharks’ Currie Cup campaign end.

Draw or lose:

Anything less than a win against the Bulls will not be enough for the Sharks.

A draw or a loss would leave them in seventh on the Currie Cup table.

WILL THE SHARKS REACH THE CURRIE CUP SEMI-FINALS?

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Currie Cup standings heading into the final round of matches