Another gripping weekend of Currie Cup Premier Division action shook up the standings, with crucial wins for the Cheetahs, Boland Kavaliers, Griquas, and a first season victory for the Sharks.

The weekend kicked off with a thriller in Nelspruit as Boland staged a stunning turnaround to edge the Pumas 29-26. Trailing 21-3 at halftime and briefly down to 13 men due to two yellow cards, the Kavaliers responded in spectacular fashion. Right wing Marcqiewn Titus and left wing Xavier Mitchell sparked the second-half revival, while tighthead prop Dayan van der Westhuizen and a penalty try in the final minutes sealed a historic first away victory.

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“The team showed incredible character,” said coach Hawies Fourie.

“Coming back from an 18-point deficit with only 13 men on the field at one stage is massive for our playoff credentials.”

In Durban, the Sharks claimed a hard-fought 29-21 victory over Western Province, their first of the season. WP opened the scoring with two quick tries, but the hosts fought back before halftime and never looked back. Tries from prop Lee Mazibuko and Batho Hlekani, along with a decisive penalty from flyhalf Jean Smith, secured the breakthrough win and a much-needed morale boost for the coastal side.

Saturday in Bloemfontein belonged to the Cheetahs, who dominated the Lions 47-31 to move to the top of the log. The Free Staters raced to a 26-5 halftime lead, powered by early maul tries from hooker Marko Janse van Rensburg and a bonus-point effort from fullback Clayton Blommetjies. The Lions mounted a spirited second-half comeback, scoring three tries in quick succession, but a penalty try and late score from scrumhalf Jandre Nel sealed the Cheetahs’ win.

ALSO: Cheetahs survive Lions’ second-half surge

Griquas delivered another statement victory, downing the Vodacom Bulls 42-21 in Pretoria. Winger Gurshwin Wehr’s hat-trick highlighted the Griquas’ clinical performance, supported by flyhalf George Whitehead’s perfect kicking. Despite early dominance from the Bulls, the visitors’ relentless pressure and superior finishing ensured a fourth consecutive win, lifting them into third place on the log.

Round 6 fixtures:
Friday
Cheetahs vs Griquas, Bloemfontein, 5pm

Saturday
Lions vs Bulls, Ellis Park, 3pm
Sharks vs Boland Kavaliers, Durban, 5.10pm
Western Province vs Pumas, Cape Town, 7.20pm

Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images