The Free State Cheetahs went joint top again with defending champions, the Pumas, as the Vodacom Bulls opened their account in the fifth round of 2023 Currie Cup action.
The Cheetahs tore apart the Lions at Ellis Park on Sunday, putting more than 50 points on a weakened Lions side that conceded a red card in a 52-15 landslide for the men from Bloemfontein.
The weekend’s action kicked off with the Bulls finally breaking their losing streak after thumping Griquas 40-3 on Friday, before the Sharks beat the Pumas 19-12 and ended Jimmy Stonehouse’s charges’ unbeaten run this season.
HIGHLIGHTS: WP batter Griffons
And after successive defeats, Western Province returned to winning ways after overcoming a gallant Griffons side 47-28 in Cape Town on Saturday night.
Following the weekend’s results, the Pumas and Cheetahs sit atop the log with 20 points apiece, while WP are now up to third and five points behind the leaders. The Sharks (14) have moved into fourth above fifth-placed Lions still on 13 points, while Griquas, Bulls and Griffons bring up the rear, in sixth, seventh and eighth, respectively.
Looking ahead to round 6, the Sharks face the Bulls on Friday at Kings Park (3:30pm), before WP host the Cheetahs in Cape Town in the only kick-off on Saturday (3pm). In the remaining fixtures of the weekend, the Griffons and Pumas are set to lock horns in Welkom on Sunday (2pm), with the Lions to entertain Griquas (4:05pm).
HIGHLIGHTS: Bulls on the board, Sharks trump Pumas
Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images