Currie Cup: Sharks overpower Bulls as Cheetahs edge out Western Province

The game initially seemed to be in the hosts' favor as Morne Steyn slotted two early penalties, but the Sharks capitalized on a yellow card to Bulls hooker Jan-Hendrik Wessels.

They quickly took the lead through Dan Jooste's try, and Lionel Cronje's conversion gave them an 8-6 advantage.

The Sharks came into the match with confidence, having secured two consecutive victories, including a 24-6 win over Griquas at Kings Park the previous week.

They continued their momentum, and Khwezi Mona scored next, establishing a nine-point lead just before Wessels returned to the field.

The Bulls responded with a timely try by Juan Mostert, but the Sharks continued to dominate the tight exchanges.

Jooste scored his second try from another lineout drive just before halftime, and Murray Koster intercepted the ball after the break, running 50m to score and increase the Sharks' lead to 29-13.

Although the Bulls scored two consolation tries, the Sharks were always in control. Dameon Venter's try after another strong maul sealed the deal for the Sharks, and Mpilo Gumede's five-pointer rounded off a dominant performance.

Free State Cheetahs 26-21 Western Province

The Cheetahs cemented their place at the top of the Currie Cup standings with a hard-fought 26-21 victory over Western Province in Bloemfontein.

At the start of the match, the Cheetahs were heavily favored against the fifth-placed Western Province and dominated early on, with Reinhardt Fortuin scoring the first try.

However, Province grew in confidence and quickly scored two tries, with Damian Markus and Jarrod Taylor both crossing the try line.

Just before half-time, the scores were level after Siba Qomo snapped up a turnover ball and offloaded to Ruan Pienaar, who ran in for a crucial runaway try.

In the second half, the Cheetahs executed another brilliant long-range try, and despite some missed penalties, their momentum eventually paid off, with Munier Hartzenberg scoring their fourth try in the 77th minute.

Pumas 45-25 Griffons

The Currie Cup clash between Airlink Pumas and Novavit Griffons at Nelspruit Rugby Club on Saturday afternoon saw the Pumas secure a dominant 45-25 bonus point win after a strong opening 55 minutes.

The match had a frenzied start with both sides scoring two tries each, with the Griffons leading 12-10.

The Pumas quickly regained the lead after scoring a try in the 23rd minute.

They then pulled away with a double score in the 31st and 33rd minutes, with Brandon Thomson converting both, to lead 31-12 at halftime.

The Pumas continued their dominance in the second half with two quick scores before the Griffons fought back, running in two tries to earn a bonus point.