Lions and Griquas aim for Currie Cup glory in semi-finals against Boland and Cheetahs

A place in this year’s Currie Cup final is the big prize on offer on Saturday when the Lions host Boland in a 5pm semi-final, and the Cheetahs travel to Kimberley to face Griquas at 7:15pm.

The Lions secured pole position on the final log with a commanding 37-7 victory over Griquas last weekend, meaning they will be brimming with confidence heading into the semi-final.

The Johannesburg outfit’s form this season has been impressive — they finished top of the log thanks to five wins from seven matches. Their only two losses came against the Cheetahs (47-31) and Boland (29-10), both on the road. The latter result will no doubt serve as extra motivation — the Lions will be keen to avenge that loss and continue their dominance at Ellis Park.

Boland, meanwhile, have enjoyed a memorable campaign since being promoted to the Premier Division after the SA Cup. They have consistently proved their credentials, securing a top-four finish with four wins and a couple of close-fought losses. Their home victory over the Lions in the league phase was a definite highlight, demonstrating their ability to ruffle the feathers of more experienced teams.

However, they are coming off a 40-22 derby defeat to Western Province last week, a result that saw them slip from second to fourth on the final log. Kavaliers coach Hawies Fourie knows they’ll need to regroup quickly and rediscover the form that saw them winning consistently.

Looking at recent form, the Lions seem stronger, with just two losses in their last five games. Boland, by comparison, have three wins and two losses — both defeats coming in their previous two outings.

Saturday’s match promises a clash of styles: the attacking flair of the Lions versus the gritty, hard-working edge of the Boland side. The Kavaliers’ ability to defend stoutly and capitalise on key opportunities will be crucial, while the Lions will aim to dominate the set piece with their more experienced pack, hoping to unleash their dangerous backline at their high-altitude fortress.

The second semi-final pits two of the competition’s most consistent performers against each other, as Griquas host the Cheetahs in Kimberley.

Both sides have been in good form for much of the season, and their neighbourly rivalry adds another layer of intensity.

Griquas come into the match with strong momentum, having won five consecutive games after a first-round loss. That run of form saw them rise to the top of the log before their final-round defeat to the Lions. Despite that setback, their home-ground advantage in Kimberley could prove decisive — Suzuki Stadium has become an intimidating venue, with Griquas last losing there over a year ago, coincidentally also to the Lions.

The Cheetahs have had a strong season as well. Four wins allowed them to finish level on 23 points with Boland, but they edged the Kavaliers into third place thanks to a superior points differential. However, their form has been somewhat inconsistent, mixing big wins with narrow defeats.

Frans Steyn’s Free Staters will be looking to bounce back from last week’s 35-31 loss to the Bulls in Pretoria. A late surge in that match showed their trademark fighting spirit — and they’ll need all of it against a confident Griquas outfit.