Currie Cup wrap: Sharks stun Lions as Bulls beat Province in humdinger

By SABC Sport
27th July 2024

Saturday's Currie Cup action saw the Sharks pick up their first win of the season over the Lions, before the Bulls mounted a superb second-half fightback to down Western Province.

Sharks see off Lions to clinch first Currie Cup win

The Sharks claimed their first Currie Cup win of the season on Saturday, defeating the Lions 35-22 at Ellis Park.

Junior Bok centre Jurenzo Julius shone on debut, scoring two tries, including a spectacular 60-metre run and a skillful kick-and-chase.

Veteran flyhalf Lionel Cronje added 15 points from kicks. Lock Reniel Hugo and Yaw Penxe also crossed the try line, with Penxe securing the bonus point from Cronje's grubber kick.

The Lions, down to 14 men after Ruben Schoeman's red card for a dangerous tackle, scored twice late in the second half. Renzo du Plessis notched his first try and set up Layton Horn for another.

Despite the Lions' efforts, the Sharks' determined performance ensured their victory.

The Sharks now prepare to face the Pumas in Nelspruit, while the Lions will take on Griquas in Kimberley.

Bulls run riot in second half to down Province

The most exciting match of the day took place in Pretoria, where Western Province started brightly and took a 17-point lead into half-time - only for the Bulls to awaken from their slumber and run rampant in the second half to claim a 50-34 win.

The visitors started brightly, taking full advantage of a 20th-minute yellow card to Nizaam Carr, leaving the Bulls shell-shocked as they scored three straight tries while Carr was off the field.

Gary Porter, Wandisile Simelane and Imad Khan all crossed the whitewash in the space of 10 minutes, which together with 12 points from the boot of flyhalf Jurie Matthee saw them race to a 27-3 lead after half an hour.

The Bulls looked down an out but a late try from Jaco van der Walt just before half-time gave the home fans some hope, and that hope would prove to be justified, as the Bulls hit back with no less than six tries after the break to totally turn the tables on their opponents.

Van der Walt, Mpilo Gumede, Francois Klopper, Zak Burger, Joe van Zyl and Juann Else all dotted down as Province's challenge disintegrated in disappointing fashion.