Exciting clashes over the weekend shook up the Currie Cup standings, setting the stage for an action-packed round 12 of rugby’s oldest competition.
The Sharks and Western Province emerged victorious, claiming notable victories and strengthening their positions in the competition. Griquas and the Vodacom Bulls also prevailed, keeping their playoff hopes alive with crucial wins.
In a thrilling duel, the Sharks sealed a fifth consecutive triumph, overpowering the Free State Cheetahs 35-23 on Friday. This bonus-point victory propelled the Durbanites to second place, matching the log points of the table-toppers. However, the Cheetahs maintained their position due to a superior points difference. Failing to salvage even a losing bonus point could prove costly for them in the future.
Province caused a late upset against the defending champions, the Pumas, in Athlone. With an impressive surge in the final minutes, including a converted try after the hooter, the hosts secured a 22-14 victory, denying the Pumas any consolation log points.
The Pumas slipped to third place, trailing the Cheetahs and Sharks by a mere three points. Meanwhile, Western Province solidified their spot in the top four and could potentially surpass the Pumas in the upcoming weeks.
Griquas achieved a bonus-point 47-21 win against the Griffons, propelling themselves to fifth place and trailing WP by just three points.
HIGHLIGHTS: WP, Sharks cage cats
The Bulls fought tooth and nail for their own five-point haul, a 33-32 result, remaining in contention for the playoffs, as they trail Province by four points. Despite their defeat to the Gauteng rivals, the Lions collected two valuable log points, sitting five points behind WP.
Looking ahead to round 12, Griffons host the Sharks on Friday in Welkom (3pm), before WP and the Lions clash at Athlone Stadium (505pm). In the remaining fixtures of the weekend, the Cheetahs and Griquas will face off in Bloemfontein (1:30pm), with the Bulls and Pumas set to lock horns at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday (3:35pm).
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