There hasn’t been a more low-key Currie Cup final buildup in history.

That’s what happens when your local showpiece coincides with the gathering of rugby’s superpowers at the World Cup.

Too bad, because Saturday at Ellis Park holds the prospect of producing an outstanding conclusion to the season with the rampant Lions up against Western Province, a team that is dangerous at the back and will fight hard.

The Lions have provided the key narrative during the season thanks to coach Johan Ackerman’s refreshing policy of letting his players play free and fast. They’ve thrown off the shackles and consistently produced open, flowing rugby that gives lie to the claim that SA teams are incapable of doing so.

Better still is that their right five has been the best in the competition, laying a foundation of pure muscle. There are no fancy frills from them; just elemental scrummaging and a fine appreciation of doing the basics smartly.

In Lourens Erasmus they have one of SA rugby’s most dynamic young locks and in Julian Redelinghuys and Ruan Dreyer they’ve got two under-appreciated props who haven’t taken a step backwards all season. I’m high on Malcolm Marx, the hooker, too. Physically intimidating, he is the archetypal frontrow monster every serious pack needs.

The flash has come from Warren Whiteley, the captain, and backrow compadre Jaco Kriel, whose star continues to rise. Whiteley’s workrate is outstanding, while Kriel’s ability to exploit space and cross the gainline has made him the Currie Cup’s best forward. They might as well fit him for a Bok jersey now – his chance won’t be long in coming.

WP bring good game, too, with Cheslin Kolbe’s unorthodoxy giving them a decent crack on Saturday.

But as an avowed Lions man, I’m going for the home team. Unbeaten all season, there’s no reason to break a winning habit. Not now.

TV: Live SS1 from 1.45pm (the World Cup semifinal will be broadcast on the Ellis Park big screen afterwards).