RUGBY WRAP: Cheetahs and Crusaders in seventh heaven while Junior Boks hold off brave Georgians

Currie Cup Final: Cheetahs trump Pumas in Bloem

The Free State Cheetahs outplayed the defending champion Pumas 25-17 at the Toyota Stadium in the Currie Cup final on Saturday to claim their seventh title overall and first since 2019. As good as Jimmy Stonehouse’s side were, the hosts were too strong with veteran Ruan Pienaar kicking 10-points in the win.

With no word yet on whether the Cheetahs will participate in next season’s Challenge Cup, their victory on the weekend should only strengthen their case for inclusion.

SR Pacific Final: Saders make it seven in a row

The Crusaders beat the Chiefs 25-20 in the Super Rugby Pacific final at FMG Stadium on Saturday to record their seventh title in succession and give outgoing Scott Robertson and many of his departing players a sparkling send off.

The game itself was a cracker, with the hosts troubling the Cantabrians with their sublime running game. Unfortunately, their three yellow cards cost them in the end.

WR U20 Championship: SA grind out win over Georgians

SA U20 were made to work hard for their 33-23 win over Georgia U20 in their tournament opener at Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday. It was far from a walk in the park for Bafana Nhleko’s boys, but they will look to take those learnings into their next clash with the Italians on Thursday.

In other results from the opening weekend, Argentina beat Italy 43-15, England and Ireland played out a thrilling 34-all draw, France thumped Japan 75-12, Wales were pipped by a single point in a narrow 26-27 defeat to New Zealand and Australia won 46-37 against Fiji.