Currie Cup: Griquas and Lions meet as semi-final race tightens

The Carling Currie Cup Premier Division reaches a decisive fourth round this weekend, with defending champions Griquas hosting log leaders the Lions in Kimberley and only three points separating the top five teams.

All four fixtures carry significant consequences after a dramatic reshaping of the standings last weekend. The Lions lead on 12 points, with Griquas and the Cheetahs one point behind on 11. The Boland Kavaliers are fourth on 10 points, while the Stormers XXIII occupy fifth place on nine.

No team remains unbeaten after the Free Staters and Bolanders both suffered defeats in the previous round. With the semi-final race so closely contested, momentum, bonus points and home advantage could prove crucial.

The weekend begins at Suzuki Stadium on Saturday, where Griquas welcome the Lions for a 13h00 kick-off.

Griquas showed the composure of reigning champions in their 24-21 victory over the Cheetahs last week. They scored four tries and resisted a strong second-half comeback from the Free Staters. The Lions moved to the top of the table in emphatic fashion, overpowering Bulls XV 42-19 in the Jukskei Derby.

Both teams have won twice in three matches and possess the attacking ability to create opportunities from deep. Their recent rivalry adds further interest to the contest. Griquas defeated the Lions 27-25 in last year’s final, despite the Lions having home advantage.

The Lions hold a narrow 3-2 advantage in the teams’ past five Currie Cup meetings, although a trip to Kimberley remains one of the competition’s most demanding assignments.

Bulls XV will play their first home match of the season when they face the Pumas at Loftus Versfeld at 15h05. The Pretoria side are still searching for their first victory and have managed just one log point from three games. They have also conceded 122 points during the campaign.

The Pumas arrive with renewed confidence after ending the Boland Kavaliers’ unbeaten start with a 20-15 win in Wellington last weekend. They were the only visiting side to win in round three.

Jimmy Stonehouse’s team have one victory from three matches, while their collection of bonus points has kept them within reach of the leading group. The Pumas have also won three of the last five meetings with Bulls XV.

At 17h15, Sharks XV will host Boland Kavaliers at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, near Durban. The Sharks squad includes four members of the 2026 Junior Springbok team and will be aiming to turn promising attacking periods into a more complete performance.

They lost 36-28 to Stormers XXIII last weekend and sit seventh on six points after one win and two defeats. Their attacking threat, however, has allowed them to remain competitive in their matches.

Boland will attempt to respond after suffering their first loss of the season. Despite that result, their strong points difference means they remain fourth. The Kavaliers have made an impressive return to this level, while the Sharks continue to develop cohesion in a youthful squad.

Sharks XV needed a late effort to beat Hawies Fourie’s team 33-31 at home last year, suggesting another closely fought encounter could be in store.

The round ends on Sunday, when Stormers XXIII host the Cheetahs at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town at 15h00.

Stormers XXIII recovered from a heavy second-round defeat by Boland with a 36-28 win against Sharks XV, earning a bonus point and moving to within three points of the leaders.

The Cheetahs had won their opening two matches before losing 24-21 to Griquas in Kimberley. Their determined second-half fightback was not enough to prevent defeat, and they now sit third on 11 points.

The Free Staters will seek an immediate response in Cape Town, where they arrive with a strong recent record. They have beaten the Capetonians in each of their last seven meetings.

All four matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Match information

Griquas v Lions Date: Saturday, 8 August Venue: Suzuki Stadium, Kimberley Kick-off: 13h00 Referee: Stephan Geldenhuys TV: SuperSport

Bulls XV v Pumas Date: Saturday, 8 August Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Kick-off: 15h05 Referee: Dylen November TV: SuperSport

Sharks XV v Boland Kavaliers Date: Saturday, 8 August Venue: Princess Magogo Stadium, KwaMashu, Durban Kick-off: 17h15 Referee: Dylen November TV: SuperSport

Stormers XXIII v Cheetahs Date: Sunday, 9 August Venue: Athlone Stadium, Cape Town Kick-off: 15h00 Referee: Hanru van Rooyen TV: SuperSport