Currie Cup wrap: Wins for Griquas and Lions

Griquas 34-31 Sharks

The Griquas edged the Sharks 34-31 in week two of Currie Cup action in Kimberley on Friday.

It was a welcome win for the Northern Cape side following their 22-44 loss to the Pumas last week, while a Springbok-heavy Sharks suffered their second straight defeat.

The Durban side had begun their campaign with a narrow 26-25 defeat at home to the Golden Lions and were looking for a strong response.

The Sharks ran home four tries through Dan Jooste, Muller du Plessis, Nick Hatton and Aphele Fassi, alongside two conversions from Lionel Cronje to lead 24-7 going into the half-time break, as Hanru Sirgei dotted the ball for the Griquas, with Lubabalo Dobela converting.

But an epic second-half fight back saw the Griquas turn the table to lead 31-24 with 10 minutes to play as Cameron Hufke, Cebo Dlamini, Sango Xamlashe and Gustav du Rand all scored tries, with Dobela adding two more conversions.

There was still some fight left in the Sharks, who drew level with five minutes left as Eduan Keyter stole in, but Dobela slotted home a last-gasp penalty to claim the win.

Pumas 21-75 Golden Lions

The Golden Lions recorded an impressive 75-21 victory over the Pumas in their Currie Cup group stage clash in Nelspruit.

It was a second win for the Lions following their defeat of the Sharks last time out as the Pumas failed to score a repeat of their recent win over the Griquas.

The Lions opened a 16-0 lead and ultimately scored 10 tries in a one-side match with Sam Francis, Tapiwe Mafura (3), Rabs Maxwane (2), Nico Steyn, Sibabalo Qoma, Gianni Lombard, and Morne vd Berg all on the scoresheet.  

Debutant Francis added three penalties and eight conversions, as the Pumas found tries through Clinton Swart, Ross Braude and Dewald Maritz, with Swart converting twice alongside one from Alwayno Visagie.

The Lions top the standings on nine points, while Griquas are in second with six points. The Pumas ended the evening in fourth with five points, and the Sharks occupy sixth position with four points from two games.

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