Everything You Need to Know About the 2024 Carling Currie Cup Final
Get ready for the 2024 Carling Currie Cup final as the Fidelity ADT Lions face the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV at Emirates Airline Park. Read the match preview, team news, and key insights ahead of the clash.
2024 Carling Currie Cup Final Preview: Fidelity ADT Lions vs Hollywoodbets Sharks XV
This Saturday, the 2024 Carling Currie Cup Final will see the Fidelity ADT Lions and the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV battle it out for South Africa’s premier domestic rugby trophy at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg. The Lions are looking to lift the trophy for the first time since 2015, while the Sharks are eager to win their first title since 2018.
Historical Rivalry and Recent Form
The Lions, with 11 Carling Currie Cup titles to their name, lead their east coast rivals in the historical title count. The Sharks, however, have been in strong form, reaching four finals in the last decade.
This season, the Sharks inflicted the only defeat on the Lions, a 35-22 victory in Johannesburg during the fourth round. Since then, the KwaZulu-Natal side has gone unbeaten, with an impressive five wins and two draws, including a thrilling semi-final stalemate against the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria. The Lions, meanwhile, have been equally dominant, winning 9 of their 10 regulation games to secure a home final.
Key Team Changes and Strategy
Both teams have made slight adjustments for the final. For the Lions, Sanele Nohamba replaces Kade Wolhuter at flyhalf, while Wolhuter moves to the bench. The Sharks bring in Emmanuel Tshituka at No. 8, and Jurenzo Julius returns to outside centre, partnering Springbok Andre Esterhuizen in the midfield.
The Lions have been formidable on attack, scoring 62 tries and conceding only 31 this season. However, the Sharks have proven their resilience, bouncing back from three early losses to become a formidable force on both attack and defense. Their blend of promising youngsters and experienced campaigners has been hard to stop.
Last 10 Finals Results:
- 2023: Toyota Cheetahs 25-17 Airlink Pumas
- 2022: Airlink Pumas 26-19 Suzuki Griquas
- 2021: Vodacom Bulls 44-10 Hollywoodbets Sharks
- 2020: Vodacom Bulls 26-19 Hollywoodbets Sharks (after extra time)
- 2019: Toyota Cheetahs 31-28 Fidelity ADT Lions
- 2018: Hollywoodbets Sharks 17-12 DHL Western Province
- 2017: DHL Western Province 33-21 Hollywoodbets Sharks
- 2016: Toyota Cheetahs 36-16 Vodacom Bulls
- 2015: Fidelity ADT Lions 32-24 DHL Western Province
- 2014: DHL Western Province 19-16 Fidelity ADT Lions
Match Information:
- Teams:
- Fidelity ADT Lions: 15. Quan Horn, 14. Rabz Maxwane, 13. Rynhardt Jonker, 12. Marius Louw, 11. Tapiwa Mafura, 10. Sanele Nohamba, 9. Nico Steyn, 8. Jarod Cairns, 7. Ruan Venter, 6. Renzo du Plessis, 5. Darrien-Lane Landsberg, 4. Ruben Schoeman, 3. Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2. Jaco Visagie (captain), 1. Morgan Naude. Replacements: 16. Morne Brandon, 17. Juan Schoeman, 18. Conrad van Vuuren, 19. Siba Qoma, 20. Raynard Roets, 21. JC Pretorius, 22. Kade Wolhuter, 23. Kelly Mpeku.
- Hollywoodbets Sharks XV: 15. Jordan Hendrikse, 14. Eduan Keyter, 13. Jurenzo Julius, 12. Andre Esterhuizen, 11. Ethan Hooker, 10. Siya Masuku, 9. Bradley Davids, 8. Emmanuel Tshituka, 7. Vincent Tshituka (captain), 6. James Venter, 5. Emile van Heerden, 4. Corné Rahl, 3. Hanro Jacobs, 2. Fez Mbatha, 1. Ntuthuko Mchunu. Replacements: 16. Dylan Richardson, 17. Trevor Nyakane, 18. Mawande Mdande, 19. Jason Jenkins, 20. Gerbrandt Grobler, 21. Tinotenda Mavesere, 22. Tian Meyer, 23. Lionel Cronje.
- Venue: Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
- Date: Saturday, 21 September
- Time: 16h00
- Referee: Morne Ferreira
- TV: SS Rugby
If the scores are level at the end of normal time, extra time will be played, and if still tied, the higher log position after the group stages will determine the winner.
Will the Lions exact revenge for their 2019 final defeat, or will the Sharks extend their unbeaten run? Tune in to find out!
