Shaun Goosen looks back at all of the rugby action that took place across South Africa and Europe this past weekend.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Bulls book home final berth
The Bulls beat the Lions 26-21 at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday in the first Currie Cup semi-final. The hosts’ conservative game was the difference in the end as the men from Jozi were undone by ill-discipline and unforced errors.
Wing Stravino Jacobs’ try and the boot of Morne Steyn saw the Pretoria boys take an 11-0 lead at the break.
Willem Alberts and Wandisile Simelane scored early in the second-half to make things more interesting, but first Marvin Orie and then Alberts were shown yellow cards after repeated infringements.
The Bulls scored twice thereafter to secure the win in spite of a late Lions consolation.
Bosch boots Sharks into final
Curwin Bosch scored 14-points to help secure the Sharks a 19-9 win over Western Province at Newlands on Saturday in the second Currie Cup semi-final. The Durbanites will now face the Bulls in the decider at Loftus Versfeld.
Bosch’s tally came in the form of three penalties, a drop goal and a conversion after lock JJ can der Merscht scored in the final 10-minutes to all but seal Province’s fate.
John Dobson’s side dominated territory and possession but failed to make the most of their opportunities as they missed out on a golden opportunity to add to their record number of Currie Cup crowns.
The Sharks’ performance, particularly that of their forwards, will give them huge confidence as hey head into the season finale as heavy underdogs.
Huge Pro14 win for Leinster, Toulouse thrash Pau in Top 14
Leinster pulled off a massively important 13-10 win over Munster at Thomond Park to maintain their psychological advantage over their old rivals.
The two sides are likely to meet in this season’s final. With that in mind, Saturday’s result will be a big factor in the way both outfits gear up for a potential title-decider.
Munster are first in Conference B while Leinster are one-point behind leaders Ulster in Conference A with a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Agen were no match for a traveling Toulouse team, who secured a whopping 59-0 win. The visitors maintain their place at the summit of the standings, though La Rochelle are three-points behind with a game in hand.
The latter saw off Bayonne 40-3 at the Stade Marcel Deflandre, while Bordeaux pipped Racing 92 33-32 at La Defense Arena and hosts Toulon beat Stade Français 35-13 in other big Top 14 results.
