Golden Lions topped the log after Round 1 of the 2025 Currie Cup thanks to their dominant 46-5 win over Sharks at Ellis Park. This win shows that the Lions intend to return to the final of the Currie Cup this season after falling to the Sharks at the final hurdle last year.
Western Province was defeated by the Bulls in Cape Town. This was a Bulls team firing on all cylinders from the first kickoff of the season, though the 23 points that they scored in defeat, Sugget WP will make them a tough out as the season goes on.
Lions VS Western Province Venue: Eillie Park, Johannesburg
Lions VS Western Province Date: Saturday, August 2
Lions VS Western Province Odds:
History
This fixture has been favoring the Lions in recent meetings. They have won the last two matches against Western Province, with one win at home and one on the road. WP hasn’t taken the Lions down since 2023, and with a team that looks nearly as youthful as the one that the Sharks put out last weekend, this could be a tough sled for the Capetonians.
Over the last five meetings, Luons have won four to just one for WP. The home team has won 60% of those matches, and the Lions have scored at a pace of 13 more on average, picking up 33 points to 20 for WP. That suggests that this will be a game where tries are scored and the Lions come out comfortably on top.
Lions
The Lions’ coaching staff will be more than satisfied with how they dismantled the Sharks. The most impressive aspect of the victory was the clinical finish, with the home side turning most of their opportunities into tries.
Angelo Davids faces his former side in this one, and he will be keen to add to the debut try he scored last weekend. Any time the former Blitzbok gets the ball, it spells trouble for the opposition, so expect WP to rush up quickly with their defensive line to squeeze the ball back inside and keep it out of the hands of the Lions’ dangerous trio of outside backs.
There are three changes to their side, with Renzo du Plessis coming in at flanker for the injured Izan Esterhuizen, the only new face in the starting XV.
Western Province
WP have made four changes to their starting XV as they look to bounce back and claim an impressive upset win.
The changes in the backline are on the wings, with Sako Makata and Jared Africa both on the run-on side. In the pack, ex-Junior Springbok Zachary Porthen will start at tighthead, with Gideon van Wyk starting on the flank. This also means there is one positional chance, with Louz Nel moving to No. 8.
Best Bets
After their weekend point barrage last time out, the Lions have been installed as heavy favorites here. They are 18.5 points ahead on the handicap, with WP at 15/2 to cause an upset.
Lions win this to continue their excellent start to the season. They have enough in them to cover the 18.5 and win by 20+
