The Vodacom Bulls kept their unbeaten status, but only just as Boeta Chamberlain’s last minute penalty saved their blushes in Bloemfontein, keeping them at the top of the Carling Currie Cup log.
But in a weekend of high drama that saw no less than two high-scoring draws, the warning lights are flickering for both DHL Western Province and the Hollywoodbets Sharks sides with the top four now threatening to break away from the rest at the top of the log.
Both sides have fielded young sides the entire competition, and see it more in terms of developing players than results, but will be wary of falling too far behind given there is around a month left before the playoffs.
Wins for the Fidelity ADT Lions, and the draws that involved the Toyota Cheetahs (against the Bulls), and Airlink Pumas (against the Sharks) meant that the bunfight at the top of the log has become a logjam - with the Bulls three points out front, but the other three sides all on 18 points after five rounds of the competition.
Western Province - on 13 points - and the Sharks - on 12 points - are in danger of not being able to keep pace with the chasing pack. With the Sharks facing strugglers Suzuki Griquas, who have unfortunately disappointed this season, on Sunday, JP Pietersen’s men will be looking to the fixture to pick up some much needed points.
Bradley Davids thought he won it for the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV in the 79th minute only for Clinton Swart to convert a penalty after the hooter for the Airlink Pumas.#CarlingCurrieCup pic.twitter.com/BjPD3xNIyZ
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) August 3, 2024
But for WP the Cheetahs showdown on Saturday night is crucial for their hopes of keeping touch with the rest of the sides in the competition.
WP scored a less than convincing 39-17 win over the Novavit Griffons in Cape Town on Saturday but would hardly have been celebrating as the scoreline belied the actual closeness of the game, with the Griffons failing in their execution more than their enthusiasm.
Still a win is a win, and they will look to hometown advantage and their experience in wet weather against a Cheetahs side that will still be kicking themselves for not winning at home against the Bulls.
While the first half in Bloemfontein was a real arm wrestle, the Bulls scored twice early in the second half to rack up the lead, with Springbok Canan Moodie showing some incredible touches to send out a strong message he will be back for the Boks sooner than later.
But when the momentum shifted, the Cheetahs were almost unstoppable with Munier Hartzenberg and Cohen Jasper running riot as the Cheetahs, who also had a superior maul, clawed their way back to lead 34-31 as the clock ticked down.
You cannot open the door for the Vodacom Bulls 🐂💥
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) August 2, 2024
📺 Stream #CarlingCurrieCup live: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/DSNwQatprU
The Bulls replacement front row had the last laugh as they won a crucial penalty for Chamberlain to slot, and keep them heading the table.
In Witbank, the 44-all draw between the Pumas and Sharks was another high-scoring clash where defence was an afterthought as both sides concentrated more on troubling the scorers than keeping players out.
Despite being outplayed for most of the first half, the Sharks rallied back from 27-8 down and were in a position to win the game, having gone ahead 44-41 with seconds left to play when a scrum penalty went against them.
Clinton Swart stepped up to give the Pumas a late draw and ensure that the Currie Cup specialists stay in the hunt for the top spot, but it was clear after the game that neither side was satisfied with their performance.
In the final game of the weekend, the Lions proved to be too strong for Griquas, outsourcing the home side six tries to two as they continued their quest to try and keep touch with the leaders.
Weekend Results:
Toyota Cheetahs 34 Vodacom Blue Bulls 34
Airlink Pumas 44 Hollywoodbets Sharks XV 44
DHL Western Province 39 Novavit Griffons 17
Suzuki Griquas 28 Fidelity ADT Lions 36
This weekend’s fixtures
Saturday
Fidelity ADT Lions v Airlink Pumas (3pm)
Vodacom Blue Bulls v Novavit Griffons (5pm)
DHL Western Province v Toyota Cheetahs (7pm)
Sunday
Hollywoodbets Sharks v Suzuki Griquas (3pm)