Latest news with #CurrieCupFirstDivision
The Citizen
29-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Valke overpower Leopards with six tries to maintain unbeaten Currie Cup run
Valke overpower Leopards with six tries to maintain unbeaten Currie Cup run Barnard Stadium erupted with cheers and song as fans created an electric atmosphere when the Valke clashed with the Leopards on June 21 in the second round of the Currie Cup First Division. The home side delivered a commanding performance from the first whistle, securing a resounding 50–24 victory. The Valke dominated from the outset, fortifying their backline to thwart the Leopards' attempts at running tries, while creating ample scoring opportunities for their forwards. Despite their efforts, the Leopards' defence struggled to contain the relentless pressure. ALSO READ: Valke dominate Border Bulldogs with 72-28 win in SA Cup home finale Leopards coach Riaan van Straten acknowledged his team's shortcomings but took heart from their improved second-half performance. 'We're obviously disappointed. We wanted to do better. We didn't start well, but we finished strong and played much better rugby in the second half,' said Van Straten. 'It was a game of two halves. The Valke won the first half 38–7; we won the second 17–12. We'll need to replicate our second-half effort from the start next time. Discipline and ball retention are areas that need serious attention.' The Valke ran in six tries in the first half, including one by Mosolwa Mafuma, putting the visitors under immense pressure. A brief lapse allowed the Leopards to capitalise and score their first try, but the Valke still led comfortably at the break. Valke head coach JP Immelman was pleased with the result and especially proud of the team's attacking execution. ALSO READ: Valke stun Griffons with historic comeback win 'You don't just put 50 points on any team in this competition,' said Immelman. 'I'm proud of how we attacked and of the overall performance. The only downside was conceding three tries. That's something we'll work on. Still, it's great when the work you put in during the week pays off.' Immelman highlighted improvements in controlling possession and territory, as well as dominance at set pieces. These were areas the team had targeted after a previous clash with the Leopards in the SA Cup six weeks ago. 'In the second half, we gave them too much ball and struggled to transition quickly from attack to defence,' he added. The Leopards returned with renewed energy after half-time, quickly scoring a try and showing urgency in closing the gap. However, the Valke struck back with a try from Sergio Stalmeester, maintaining their lead despite conceding the second half 12–17. Leopards captain Ignatius Prinsloo expressed disappointment in the result but remained hopeful. ALSO READ: Valke earns victory after beating Sanlam Boland Cavaliers 'It's tough to lose, but sometimes an early-season defeat is a blessing in disguise. We showed what we're capable of in the second half. We're a young squad with limited experience, so setbacks like this are part of our learning curve,' said Prinsloo. With this win, combined with their opening-round victory over the NovaVit Griffons on June 14, the Valke remain unbeaten and top the First Division standings with 10 points. They are the only team yet to lose in the competition. Individual performances were also recognised. Pierre Rabie was named Forward of the Match, Waqar Solaan took Back of the Match honours, and Zingisa April received the Player of the Match award. Valke captain Andrew Volschenk praised his side's effort and composure. 'We led 38–0 at one point, gave away a try before half-time, and started the second half slowly, but we regrouped and finished strong. Winning 50–24 against the Leopards is a big achievement,' he said. 'It's always a privilege to play them. I'm a fan of theirs. This competition gives us great exposure and we're loving every minute of it.' The Valke now prepare for tough fixtures against the Border Bulldogs, Phangela SWD Eagles and Eastern Province Elephants. With two convincing wins under their belt, they have emerged as strong contenders in the First Division. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Have no doubts afterwards, Willie le Roux tells Bulls in Dublin URC final crunch against Leinster
EYES ON THE PRIZE Bulls fullback Willie le Roux pumps some iron in the gym in Dublin this week ahead of the URC final against Leinster. Photo: INPHO URC Image: INPHO URC Willie le Roux has enjoyed a stellar career, with the two Rugby World Cup triumphs with the Springboks the stand-out moments. The 35-year-old fullback has featured for many clubs, franchises and provinces too – from Boland and the Cheetahs in the early days, to Wasps in England and now the Bulls. Yet in over 15 years, he has only celebrated one trophy: the 2011 Currie Cup First Division title with Boland, alongside his late teammate Cornal Hendricks. So, Saturday's United Rugby Championship final against Leinster in Dublin (6pm SA time start) is an extra special encounter for Le Roux, who will hope to lift the cup for his friend Hendricks too. Le Roux feels that the key to victory at Croke Park will be about handling the magnitude of the occasion – not only in dealing with the atmosphere and the boisterous Leinster supporters, but also ensuring that the Bulls play their natural game. 'It doesn't help if we go and do something different to what we did this year because it's a final,' the 98-cap Springbok said from Dublin on Wednesday. 'We all know what to do and what our jobs are. If you usually clean 10 breakdowns, then maybe you might have to clean 30 this weekend. 'Everyone is enjoying themselves, and it is great to be in each other's company here. 'But the main thing is Saturday. We got here and wanted to be here. 'I tell the young guys to just enjoy themselves, as sometimes you might never play in a final again. You must enjoy it as if it's your last one, and leave everything out there. 'It's a big one this weekend, and to win the URC title would be amazing. 'But Leinster lie in front of us, and have been an unbelievable team for the last 10 years. They have played in a lot of finals, but we are looking forward to it and playing for a bigger goal – and we all know what to do on Saturday.' Le Roux has been a key cog in the Bulls make-up this season, even slotting in at flyhalf when Johan Goosen was injured. But it's in the No 15 jersey where all his experience and nous will be crucial in directing the Bulls attack and marshalling the likes of Canan Moodie and Sebastian de Klerk in the back-three. Leinster are not shy to take on the defence from the start, with fullback Jimmy O'Brien and wings James Lowe and Tommy O'Brien all keen to get their hands on the ball, as well as employing a smart kicking game. The Bulls, though, are well equipped to fight fire with fire. 'A bit of advice that I can give younger guys and stuff we play together is like, it's the same as playing the first game of the season,' Le Roux said. 'It's not to put this on the pedestal and make this that much bigger. 'And then you creep into your shell and you don't want to try stuff, and you don't want to run from your own half and you don't want to try something, because that's not what got us here in the first place. 'We got here through taking chances. Like I said, if we see an opportunity, we (must) take it.
The Citizen
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Pumas and Griquas face each other in final battle of 2025 SA Cup war
Pumas and Griquas face each other in final battle of 2025 SA Cup war The home SA Cup final that the Pumas and their coaching staff promised their fans will became a reality when the Mpumalanga team take on the Suzuki Griquas later today, Saturday, May 24. The Pumas beat the Griquas 39-34 at Mbombela Stadium in the league phase of the SA Cup on April 25. This was the only defeat in the Griquas SA Cup campaign. The Pumas remain undefeated, with 10 consecutive wins. The two teams' SA Cup stats, after 10 matches each, are separated by the narrowest of margins. The Griquas have scored 574 points and the Pumas 576. The Griquas have conceded 222 points, the Pumas 221. The Kimberly team have scored 85 tries to the Pumas' 84; and the Griquas have conceded 32 tries and the Pumas 29. But the finalists results and stats over the past 800 minutes of rugby will count for nothing come 18:30. The 2025 champions simply need the most points on the scoreboard after 80 minutes. Finals are all about pressure – the team that better handles the mental and emotional aspect of the game will win. Physically and tactically the Pumas and Griquas could not be better prepared. That said, a pressure implosion can lead to unforced errors, poor decision making, poor discipline and conceding penalties. ALSO READ: Pumas issue rally cry for supporters to paint Mbombela Stadium pink for SA Cup final The 2025 SA Cup final at Mbombela Stadium will be the first home final for the Pumas in 12 years, and only their fourth home final in their 56-year history. They defeated the Eastern Province Kings 53-30 in the 2013 Currie Cup First Division final at Mbombela Stadium. The other two finals being the 2009 Currie Cup First Division final at the Puma Stadium in Witbank in which the Pumas beat South Western Districts 47-19, and the 2013 Vodacom Cup final at Mbombela Stadium in which the Lions beat the Pumas 42-28. In the past six seasons the Pumas and Griquas have played each other in four finals, with each winning two. Tickets for the final are available at Computicket and at the stadium, and cost R50 for adults and R20 for children. The finals the Pumas have played in: • 2005 Currie Cup First Division (Bosman Stadium): Falcons 16 – Pumas 25 • 2009 Currie Cup First Division (Puma Stadium): Pumas 47 – South Western Districts 19 • 2012 Currie Cup First Division (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium): Eastern Province Kings 26 – Pumas 25 • 2013 Vodacom Cup (Mbombela Stadium): Pumas 28 – Golden Lions 42 • 2013 Currie Cup First Division (Mbombela Stadium): Pumas 53 – Eastern Province Kings 30 • 2015 Vodacom Cup (Newlands): Western Province 7 – Pumas 24 • 2018 Rugby Challenge (Bridgton Sports Grounds): Pumas 32 – Griquas 30 • 2019 Rugby Challenge (Saldanha Stadium): Pumas 13 – Griquas 28 • 2022 Currie Cup Premier Division (Griqua Park): Griquas 19 – Pumas 26 • 2023 Currie Cup Premier Division (Free State Stadium) Cheetahs 25 – Pumas 17 • 2024 SA Cup (Suzuki Stadium): Griquas 46 – Pumas 24 Airlink Pumas 1 Etienne Janeke 2 Eddie Swart 3 Sampie Swiegers 4 Heinz Bertram 5 Jeandre Leonard 6 Ntsika Finsanti 7 Ruwald van der Merwe (captain) 8 Willie Engelbrecht 9 Ross Braude 10 Danrich Visagie 11 Darren Adonis 12 Wian van Niekerk 13 Sango Xamlashe 14 Lundi Msenge 15 Tino Swanepoel 16 Darnell Osuagwu 17 Stephan de Jager 18 Dewald Maritz 19 Kwanda Dimaza 20 Andre Fouche 21 Clinton Swart 22 Jay-Cee Nel 23 Stefan Coetzee. Suzuki Griquas 1 Leon Lyons 2 Janco Uys, 3 Cebo Dlamini 4 Dylan Sjoblom 5 Albert Liebenberg, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen 7 Marco de Witt 8 Gustav Erlank 9 Thomas Bursey 10 George Whitehead (captain) 11 Gurswin Wehr 12 Mnombo Zwelendaba 13 Zane Bester, 14 Dylan Maart 15 Cameron Hufke 16 Gustav du Rand 17 Eddie Davids 18 Junior Banda 19 Athenkosi Khethani 20 Phumzile Maqondwana 21 Bobby Alexander 22 Tylor Sefoor 23 Tom Nel • Referee: Stephan Geldenhuys • Assistant referees: Paul Mente, Jonathan Lottering • TMO: Egon Seconds At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
11-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
SA Cup: Kavaliers gallop into Currie Cup
The Boland Kavaliers qualified for the 2025 Currie Cup Premier Division by beating Eastern Province in Gqeberha yesterday. A 36-22 bonus-point victory sealed fourth spot on the SA Cup log for the Kavaliers, who will travel to Mbombela for a semi-final against the table-topping Pumas. Defending champions Griquas host the Cheetahs in next weekend's other semi-final. In Kimberley, Griquas scored two late tries for a 31-29 win over the Cheetahs, the unbeaten Pumas ended the Griffons' Currie Cup qualification bid with a 48-7 victory, the Valke battered the Border Bulldogs 72-28, and the Leopards ended their campaign with a 47-35 win over the SWD Eagles in Potchefstroom. The Pumas finished the league phase with a full house of 45 points after nine rounds, with Griquas second on 42. They were followed by the Cheetahs (34), Boland (32), Valke (30), Griffons (26), EP (21), Leopards (10), SWD (8) and Border (3). The Pumas, Griquas, Cheetahs and Boland join the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Western Province in the Currie Cup Premier Division, which kicks off on Friday, July 26. The final will be staged on Saturday, September 20. The Currie Cup First Division – comprising EP, Border, the Griffons, Leopards, Eagles and Valke – is set to start on June 14 and conclude with the final on July 26. SA Cup round 9 results and scores: Eastern Province 22 Boland Kavaliers 36 EP: Tries: Enrique Franks (2), Jayden Bantom. Conversions: Bantom, Chadwin November. Penalty goal: November. Boland: Tries: HP van Schoor, Ashlon Davids, Sidney Tobias, Michael Benadie, Erik Lambrecht. Conversions: James Tedder (4). Penalty goal: Tedder. Valke 72 Border Bulldogs 28 Valke: Tries: Valentino Wellman (4), Zingisa April (2), Tiaan Jonker (2), Mihlali Stamper, Liam Kloosman, Sergio Stalmeester, Adrian Joubert. Conversions: Kloosman (2), Stalmeester (2), Mbembe Payi (2). Border: Tries: Sakhe Dingile (2), Larry Nkonki, Zenande Mdledle. Conversions: Oliver Zono (4). Pumas 48 Griffons 7 Pumas: Tries: Eddie Swart (2), Darnell Osuagwu, Tino Swanepoel, Lundi Msenge, Ntsika Fisanti, Duard Deichmann, Clinton Swart. Conversions: Swart (2), Danrich Visagie (2). Griffons: Try: Jared Kruger. Conversion: Andrew Kota. Griquas 31 Cheetahs 29 Griquas: Tries: Cameron Hufke, Dylan Maart, Bobby Alexander, Gurshwin Wehr, Zane Bester. Conversions: George Whitehead (3). Cheetahs: Tries: Tiaan Swanepoel, Carel-Jan Coetzee, Neels Volschenk, James Verity-Amm, Jandre Nel. Conversions: Swanepoel, Cohen Jasper. Leopards 47 SWD Eagles 35 Leopards: Tries: Siniothando Tshontsyi (2), Brandon Keevy (2), Naiden Jaarts (2), Luan van der Walt. Conversions: Shaun-Christian Baxter (6). SWD: Tries: Leighton van Wyk (3), Stephan Leonard, Eric Zana. Conversions: Sachin Toring (2). Penalty goals: Roshwin Abrahams (2). The post SA Cup: Kavaliers gallop into Currie Cup appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
