Currie Cup: Boland comeback downs Lions, Griquas thump Sharks

Lions 29-38 Boland

The Boland Cavaliers overturned a 17-point deficit to beat the Lions 38-29 in a nine-try Currie Cup thriller at Wits Stadium on Friday.

The Lions raced into a 17-0 lead through Sam Francis, Keagan Smith and captain Jarod Cairns, but Boland responded through Mthokozisi Gumede and Gift Dlamini to trail 17-14 at half-time.

Boland completed the turnaround early in the second half when Sibusiso Sangweni crossed to put them ahead for the first time.

Jeandré Leonard then scored their bonus-point try before Smith's second touchdown kept the Lions in contention. Gumede completed his double to restore Boland's advantage, although Rynhardt Jonker's late try reduced the deficit to six points.

James Tedder's late penalty sealed victory for the Cavaliers and denied the Lions a losing bonus point.

The result strengthened Boland's semi-final hopes with two rounds remaining, while the Lions slipped to fourth. Boland next face the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, with the Lions hosting the Sharks XV at Kings Park.

Griquas 55-21 Sharks

Defending champions Suzuki Griquas strengthened their position at the top of the Currie Cup with a 55-21 victory over the Sharks XV in Kimberley on Friday.

Griquas dominated the opening stages, with Janus Venter scoring from a maul before Sharks flyhalf Tim Swiel was yellow-carded for stopping a likely try. A penalty try put the hosts 14-0 ahead.

The Sharks responded through Tino Mavesere and then moved 21-19 in front after tries from Swiel and Johan Momsen. Griquas regained the lead on half-time when Bobby Alexander finished following a break by Gurshwin Wehr.

George Whitehead's grubber set up Dylan Maart for his second try early in the second half, before replacement hooker Tiaan Lange completed a hat-trick as Griquas' dominant maul took control. Maart also completed his treble late on.

Griquas are now five points clear at the summit, while the Sharks remain seventh with two matches left.