Boland brilliant, Bulls brutal, Lions buzzing



With just a single round-robin before the semi-finals, early momentum in the shortened 2025 Currie Cup competition is vital. The Lions and the Vodacom Bulls have that in ample supply.

They were the stand-out teams after the first round of fixtures, but the Boland Cavaliers also raised some eyebrows with a passionate performance.

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The Pumas and Griquas kicked off the tournament in a high-scoring clash at the Mbombela Stadium on Friday. The 2022 champions too good on the night for an ill-disciplined Griquas, securing a 49-28 victory.

In Johannesburg, the Lions had revenge on their mind after losing the final in the dying minutes last year, and showed their pedigree as they dismantled the defending champion Sharks 46-5.

In Cape Town, the Vodacom Bulls sent a strong signal to the other seven teams in the competition with a clinical 48-23 bonus point win over Western Province in the north-south derby. Ill-discipline cost the home side dearly, with three first-half yellow cards.

On Sunday, the first round action culminated in the clash between Premier Division newcomers the Boland Cavaliers at home to the Free State Cheetahs. In what turned out to be a breathless encounter at the Boland Stadium, an 88th-minute try by Donavan Don sealed a dramatic 37-35 win.

Looking ahead to round 2, the Cheetahs are back at the Free State Stadium and host the Pumas on Friday evening.

On Saturday, WP will look to upset the marauding Lions at Ellis Park, followed by the Bulls at home to the Sharks at Loftus.

Round 2’s action wraps up in Kimberley where Griquas host the Boland Cavaliers on Sunday afternoon.

Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images



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