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 in the first round of fixtures, while Boland Cavaliers raised eyebrows with a dramatic win against the Cheetahs.
NOMLOMO: Brave Boeta was class
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 the mind after losing the final in the dying minutes last year, and showed pedigree in dismantling the defending champion Sharks 46-5.
In Cape Town, the Vodacom Bulls sent a strong signal to their domestic rivals with a clinical 48-23 bonus point win over Western Province. 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 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 Boland on Sunday afternoon.
Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
The post Currie Cup: Boland brilliant, Bulls brutal, Lions buzzing appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.