Kick-off for 2014′s Currie Cup is almost upon us with a full set of fixtures scheduled for 9 August.

Sportingbet have come to the party by pricing up a market for the overall winner of this tournament.

With that in mind, here’s our take on who has a major shot at the trophy and which sides may struggle to keep up with the pace.

Steval Pumas 100/1 0.85%

It would be misguided to believe that the Pumas have any real chance of getting to the final. We do however believe that head coach Jimmy Stonehouse knows what he is doing and his influence alone should give the Pumas a chance of avoiding the overall wooden spoon.

As is the case with the Griquas and possibly even the EP Kings, a lack of depth in these squads will likely be exposed as injury tolls increase throughout the tournament.

Predicted finish: 6th

GWK Griquas 50/1 1.15%

Wooden Spooners in 2013 we don’t see things getting much better for the Griquas this time round.

They’ve replaced head-coach Pote Human with Hawies Fourie (ex-Cheetahs assistant coach – backline specialist) which for our money was a no brainer. Yet we believe Hawies will take one year to get to grips with being a head coach at Currie Cup level.

Predicted finish: Wooden Spoon

EP Kings 16/1 5%

It’s clear to see that the EP Kings have some real financial backing and in rugby, when that is paired with the right expertise you get positive results.

So the big question is, do they have the expertise required to make any real impact?

Going on track record King Carlos Spencer is the right man for the job. The Lions were impressive in 2012 with his involvement as were the Sharks in 2013.

It is worth noting that most of the EP Kings’ star players have left over the past 12 months (since losing their Super Rugby relegation battle against the Lions).

Those transfers will see them field a talented, but largely inexperienced side.

Prediction: 7th

Toyota Free State Cheetahs 7/1 11%

Things seem to always be bitter-sweet in Bloemfontein.

As soon as this franchise builds a noteworthy squad, external forces see their best players move onto “greener pastures”.
Although they’ve signed some noteworthy backline stocks i.e. Joe Pietersen, their pack has been decimated by transfers.

Incumbent head coach Naka Drotske will be away in Europe during the tournament which sees talented Rory Duncan (ex-Grey College head coach, Cheetahs Vodacom Cup coach) take the reigns. We see this as a positive set of circumstances for the franchise.

Prediction: 5th

Lions 6/1 12%

Our panel believes that the Lions, along with the three sides below, have major claims at lifting the trophy this season.

Head coach Johan Ackermann has been a revelation and his continued involvement should see this franchise go from strength to strength.

We believe that their squad is of a similar calibre to that of 2013 (finished 4th on log). As such it might be slightly thin on paper, yet some lucky breaks could see them go all the way.

Prediction: 3rd

Vodacom Blue Bulls 4/1 17%

The price of 4/1 for the Bulls to lift the trophy has long been tempting our panel.

They were poor in 2013 (5th) yet that was a rebuilding phase and this tournament will no doubt see an improved showing.
Head coach Frans Ludeke has grown in his role following a shaky start. His increased confidence should have a major positive impact on the players.

The Bulls do have a lengthy injury list at present and results early in the tournament will be defining with this in mind. Some narrow wins early on could see this side go all the way.

Prediction: 2nd

DHL Western Province 11/4 23%

Western Province’s prospects are incredibly difficult to analyse regarding Currie Cup 2014.

Although recent changes at the Union should only have a positive impact in moving toward a more balanced style of play, Western Province have lost a number of experienced players this year.

Another factor to consider is the poor conditioning of players as has been the case since 2011 which has seen Stormers players sustain more injuries than any other Super Rugby franchise over the period, and we don’t believe in coincidence.

That said, we believe having missed out on the Super Rugby play-offs for a second consecutive year (Stormers) will have done Western Province’s fitness levels a world of good going forward.

Prediction: 1st

Cell C Sharks 15/8 30%

Tournament favourites the Sharks have a lot to do if they are to live up to expectations.

Although their squad boasts immense depth, fatigue caused by the Super Rugby play-offs will no doubt have a massive impact on their Currie Cup showing.

Brad McLeod-Henderson temporarily takes over the reigns as Jake White has requested time to identify and improve talent at the Sharks’ junior levels. Jake will certainly remain involved to a large degree, but the unfamiliarity of a new head coach may disrupt the players.

Prediction: 4th