Currie Cup round eight: Recap
The eighth round of the Currie Cup went over the weekend and was full of surprises, none more exciting than the Pumas’ upset for the ages over the Blue Bulls. In addition, the Sharks managed to maintain their form, while Western Province struggled for the second week in a row.
Pumas 22, Blue Bulls 21
The Pumas surprised the South African rugby world with a win over the Blue Bulls at home in Witbank over the weekend.
The Pumas were able to keep pace with the Blue Bulls for much of the first half, as the visitors took a one-point lead into the break.
However, the start of the second half belonged to the Blue Bulls who had managed to open up an 18-10 lead by the 47th minute.
Nevertheless, the Pumas fought back and were able to take a 22-21 lead in the 63rd minute.
The home side held off the Bulls for the remainder of the match, on their way to an astonishing upset.
Golden Lions 45 Leopards 22
The Golden Lions had no trouble against a struggling Leopards side at home in Johannesburg over the weekend.
The Lions dominated with a seven-try performance over the lowly Leopards.
The home side took a commanding 24-8 lead into the break, after registering an impressive four tries in the first half, earning the bonus point before the 40th minute.
The second half proved to be more of the same. The Leopards attempted to make a late push, however the Lions had the last laugh with a final try in the 80th minute courtesy of Johan Snyman.
Natal Sharks 48 Griquas 30
The Natal Sharks proved to be too much for the Griquas securing a victory at home in Kimberly over the weekend.
The Sharks poured it on early with two tries and a penalty inside the 20-minute mark to take a quick 17-0 lead. From that point forward the home team did not let up taking a 25-10 lead into half-time.
After the break it was more of the same, earning the bonus try in the 56th minute courtesy of Monty Dumond, who made the game 36-20.
The Sharks never allowed the Griquas to get in the match scoring every chance they got, ending the game with a try in the 79th minute.
Free State 29, Western Province 24
The Free State Cheetahs were able to upset Western Province on the road in Cape Town in the week’s final game.
The Cheetahs were able to take a 12-3 lead into half-time courtesy of Louis Strydom who notched four penalties for the visitors.
Western Province outscored the Cheetahs three tries to two, however Strydom’s impressive day from the tee proved to be too much for Province to handle, as he managed to knock down five penalties and two conversions for 19 points.
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