The Sharks and Lions claimed crucial wins against the frontrunners, while there were big victories for Western Province and the Vodacom Bulls in round 10 of the Currie Cup.
The only major change to the log sees WP finishing weekend’s action in fourth place. That said, the results of the past weekend have boosted the Sharks’ cause, as only five log points separate the Free State Cheetahs in first place and the Durbanites in third.
The Cheetahs secured two bonus points from their shock loss to the Lions in Bloemfontein, while the Pumas salvaged a log point from their 24-22 defeat to the Sharks in Nelspruit.
However, these two frontrunners no longer enjoy a significant lead at the top of the standings and may well be overtaken in the coming rounds if they don’t pick up the pace.
HIGHLIGHTS: Big road wins for Lions, Bulls
WP’s bonus-point 25-21 win against the Griffons in Welkom on Friday has catapulted the Capetonians up the standings, while the Lions made a statement when they beat the Cheetahs away from home 33-26 and are only three log points behind WP.
The Bulls recorded a convincing 40-20 win against Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday, but remain in seventh place and five log points behind Province.
Looking ahead to round 11, WP host the defending champions, the Pumas, on Friday in Cape Town (5pm), before the Sharks and Cheetahs clash at Kings Park (7:05pm). In the remaining fixtures of the weekend, Griquas and Griffons will face off in Kimberley (3pm), with the Lions and Bulls are set to lock horns in a Jukskei derby in Johannesburg on Saturday (5:05pm).
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