Currie Cup: Griquas and Lions see off Cheetahs and Bulls

Griquas strike a blow to Cheetahs' semi-final hopes

Griquas put a dent in the Cheetahs' Currie Cup play-off hopes after beating their neighbours 44-31 in Kimberley on Friday.

The home team scored seven tries to the visitors' four and put in a vintage display of running rugby to produce the shock result.

Griquas flyhalf Lubabalo Dobela scored a try, kicked a conversion and slotted a penalty for total of 10 points in the match.

Connor Mahoney, Marco de Witt, Zane Bester, Dandre Delport, Gustav du Rand and Bobby Alexander all crossed over for five-pointers for the hosts.

The Cheetahs were always second best in the contest but a try after the full-time hooter from Munier Hartzenberg saw them record a losing bonus-point, which could prove vital in the final standings.

The Cheetahs remain in fourth place on the log with 25 points but they are only one point ahead of the Pumas, who travel to Stellenbosch to take on Western Province on Sunday.

Griquas are out of contention for a semifinal place and welcome Western Province in their final Currie Cup fixture of the campaign next weekend.

Lions roar to the top after crushing Bulls in high-scoring clash

The ADT Fidelity Lions delivered a dominant performance to overpower the Vodacom Bulls 57-33 in a thrilling Carling Currie Cup match at Midstream College on Friday night.

The match, which was relocated to the college to engage younger fans, saw the Lions surge to an early lead and maintain control throughout, ultimately securing a vital victory.

The Lions wasted no time, racing to a 19-0 lead within the first 21 minutes. Erich Cronje opened the scoring with a powerful run, followed by tries from Ruan Venter and PJ Botha, with Nico Steyn adding the conversions.

Although the Bulls responded with a try from Corne Beets, the Lions quickly struck back, with Morne van den Berg crossing for a bonus-point try.

Despite a penalty try awarded to the Bulls after Tapiwa Mafura's yellow card, the Lions continued to dominate, heading into half-time with a commanding 33-14 lead, thanks to Botha's second try.

The second half saw the Bulls attempt a comeback, with Joe van Zyl and Katlego Letebele adding tries.

However, the Lions responded with scores from Morgan Naude and Renzo du Plessis, capped off by Rabz Maxwane's late try, sealing the comprehensive victory.

This win propelled the Lions to the top of the Currie Cup log, positioning them as strong contenders to finish first after the final pool round.