Lions move third as Sharks keep Currie Cup semi-final hopes alive

The Lions climbed to third in the Currie Cup standings with a 36-12 victory over Stormers XXIII at Ellis Park, while the Sharks XV stayed in the semi-final race by beating Bulls XV 53-22 at Kings Park.

The Lions’ five-try win secured a bonus point and moved them to 20 points, three ahead of the Pumas and four clear of Boland. However, their place in the semi-finals is still dependent on the results of other matches.

Matt Coetzee put the hosts in front with an early penalty before Gilermo Mentoe completed a well-worked attack to score the opening try.

Stormers XXIII had plenty of possession but found it difficult to turn that pressure into clear scoring opportunities. Handling mistakes and poor decisions repeatedly disrupted their attacking momentum.

Lions captain Jarod Cairns extended the advantage shortly before half-time, finishing a driving maul to make the score 15-0.

The hosts continued to dominate after the interval. Ethan Adams added their third try with a chip-and-chase, while Renzo du Plessis powered through the Stormers defence to secure the bonus point.

Markus Muller eventually gave the visitors something to celebrate with an outstanding individual try, but Stormers XXIII’s task became even harder when Dominic Malgas was sent to the sin bin.

Latica Nela crossed for another Lions try before Altus Rabe scored a late consolation for the visitors.

The defeat ended Stormers XXIII’s hopes of reaching the play-offs. The Lions must wait for the Pumas-Cheetahs and Boland-Griquas results to learn whether they have done enough to qualify for the semi-finals.

Mavesere inspires Sharks

Tino Mavesere scored four tries as Sharks XV overcame Bulls XV at Kings Park to remain in contention for a place in the Currie Cup semi-finals.

The bonus-point success lifted the Sharks into fourth place on 18 points, although their position is vulnerable. Both the Pumas and Boland Cavaliers can still move above them in the table.

Mavesere opened the scoring after five minutes, finishing from a driving maul, and crossed again seven minutes later to give the Sharks a strong early advantage.

Bulls XV responded through Kebotile Maake, but the Sharks quickly reasserted control. Ross Braude scored after Luan Giliomee had broken through the Bulls defence.

Tim Swiel then sliced through for the Sharks’ bonus-point try before Mavesere completed his hat-trick. Braude added his second shortly before the interval, sending Sharks XV into half-time with a 36-7 lead.

Bulls XV improved after the break and showed greater attacking intent. Marnus Rademeyer and Brooklyn Newman both crossed to reduce the deficit and give the visitors renewed hope.

That revival was checked in the 66th minute when Mavesere completed his fourth try of the match.

Lavela Pongolo added another try for Bulls XV, but Sharks XV finished strongly. Replacement hooker Jacques Marais crossed twice late in the game as the hosts moved beyond 50 points.

Bulls XV finished the campaign with seven defeats from seven matches. Sharks XV will now wait for the outcomes of Pumas-Cheetahs and Boland-Griquas to discover whether they have secured a semi-final place.