Cheetahs brush aside weather delay to take control of Currie Cup

The Cheetahs climbed to the top of the Currie Cup standings after securing a comfortable victory over the Griffons in a weather-affected clash on Friday night, while the Lions handed the Pumas their second defeat of the competition as the defending champions slipped to second place.

In Bloemfontein, the start of the match was delayed by more than two hours due to lightning, but the Cheetahs maintained their composure to rack up their sixth win in eight games, moving two points clear at the summit of the table.

The hosts led 21-3 at half-time and they managed to stretch the gap in the second period, earning a 33-10 win.

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Daniel Maartens and Tapiwa Mafura both scored braces for the Cheetahs, with Evardi Boshoff going over for their fifth try. Siya Masuku banged over four conversions.

The Griffons struggled to get going, with Duren Hoffman scoring their only try, while Jaywinn Juries added two points with the conversion and Robbie Petzer kicked over a penalty.

Lions v Pumas

At Ellis Park, the Lions romped to a convincing 26-10 victory over title holders the Pumas.

The hosts held a 21-3 lead at half-time, and while it was a low-scoring second half, they held on to wrap up only their third win in eight games.

Scrumhalf Morne van den Berg and centre Manuel Rass scored two tries each for the Lions, with Gianni Lombard knocking over three conversions, while Brandon Thomson came off the bench to dot down a late consolation try for the visitors and Tinus de Beer added five points with his boot.

Scorers

Cheetahs 33 Griffons 10

Cheetahs – Tries: Daniel Maartens (2), Tapiwa Mafura (2), Evardi Boshoff. Conversions: Siya Masuku (4)

Griffons – Try: Duren Hoffman. Conversion: Jaywinn Juries. Penalty: Robbie Petzer

Lions 26 Pumas 10

Lions – Tries: Manuel Rass (2) and Morne van den Berg (2). Conversions: Gianni Lombard (3)
Pumas – Try: Brandon Thomson. Conversion: Tinus de Beer. Penalty: Tinus de Beer