Cheetahs vs Fidelity ADT Lions Prediction & Betting Tips - Currie Cup

Prediction published on 17/07/2026, 07:00  by Ita Emmanuel | Modified on 18/07/2026 at 16:27 in Currie Cup Predictions

Last season's semifinalists Toyota Cheetahs and finalists Fidelity ADT Lions collide in this 2026 Currie Cup opening round on Sunday at Toyota Stadium. Cheetahs have lost three of their last four meetings with the Lions, making us favor the away side in our prediction.

The Toyota Cheetahs won four of their opening five Currie Cup matches last season to qualify for the semifinals by a narrow two-point margin over the playoff cut-off line. The Bloemfontein-based outfit then suffered defeat in both of their remaining regular-season fixtures before a 25–5 semi-final defeat to Suzuki Griquas saw them end their campaign on a three-game losing streak. 

François Steyn's side also reached the semi-finals in the 2026 SA Cup before losing 42–36 to eventual champions Airlink Pumas. They have lost three of their last four matches against ADT Fidelity Lions. 

Fidelity ADT Lions fell short of a 12th Currie Cup title last season after a 27–25 defeat to Suzuki Griquas in the final. Mzwakhe Nkosi's side have now made two successive appearances in the Currie Cup final and remain strong contenders for the title this season. They finished on a stronger note last season, putting together three wins in their final four matches, and have won two of their last three trips to face the Cheetahs.