Carling Currie Cup Premier Division semi-finals: Griquas to host Lion…

Suzuki Griquas will host the Fidelity ADT Lions, while the Toyota Cheetahs welcome the Airlink Pumas in next weekend’s Carling Currie Cup Premier Division semi-finals following the completion of the league phase over the weekend.

Both semi-finals will take place on Sunday, 6 September, with the match in Kimberley kicking off at 13h00, followed by the Bloemfontein playoff at 15h30. sweetbonanza.qpon

With Griquas and the Cheetahs having already secured their play-off places before the weekend’s four encounters, the Pumas and Lions still had it all to play for in the final round of league action, but both duly booked their semi-final spots with convincing victories, while the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers’ changes of progressing sadly evaporated on Sunday.

The Fidelity ADT Lions kicked off the final round when they outplayed the DHL Stormers XXIII 36-12 in Johannesburg on Friday. That match was followed by the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV’s 53-22 victory over the winless Vodacom Bulls XV in Durban.

In Saturday’s only fixture, the Airlink Pumas turned on the style to outclass the Toyota Cheetahs 52-26 in Nelspruit, while the Suzuki Griquas wrapped up the weekend’s action with a commanding 48-17 away win over the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers in Wellington on Sunday afternoon.

Following the seventh-round matches, Griquas finished top of the standings on 31 points, with the Cheetahs second on 27. They were followed by the Pumas (22) and Lions (20) in the top four.

The Sharks XV finished fifth on 18 points, while the Kavaliers and Stormers XXIII both ended on 16 points. The Bulls XV finished eighth on six points.

Kicking off the action at home in Johannesburg on Friday afternoon, the Fidelity ADT Lions delivered when it mattered most, producing a five-try victory over the DHL Stormers XXIII to keep their play-off ambitions firmly alive.

Entering the final round knowing defeat would end their season, the Johannesburgers started with urgency and rarely allowed the visitors a foothold in the contest. Matt Coetzee opened the scoring with an early penalty goal before a slick attacking movement ended with Gilermo Mentoe crossing for the first try of the match. The Lions capitalised on their opportunities and established a commanding 15-0 half-time lead when captain Jarod Cairns powered over from a driving maul shortly before the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Junior Bok centre Ethan Adams benefited from an intelligent chip-and-chase to score, while Renzo du Plessis crashed over for the all-important bonus-point try.

The Capetonians finally replied through Junior Bok midfielder Markus Muller, but Dominic Malgas’ yellow card effectively ended any hopes of a comeback. Latica Nela added the Lions’ fifth try before Altus Rabe crossed late for a consolation score.

The result lifted the Highvelders into the top four and simultaneously ended the Cape side’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals.

Needing a bonus-point victory and favours elsewhere, the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV did everything within their control as they overwhelmed the Vodacom Bulls XV in a free-scoring encounter in Friday’s second fixture in Durban.

The hosts produced one of their most clinical attacking displays of the season, running in eight tries and scoring more than 50 points in a dominant performance after leading 36-7 at half-time.

Zimbabwean international loose forward Tino Mavesere crossed twice in the opening 12 minutes to set the tone for the Sharks XV’s relentless attacking assault. He went on to score four of his side’s eight tries.

Although the Bulls XV responded through Junior Bok flanker Kebotile Maake, the Sharks XV quickly regained momentum as Ross Braude and Tim Swiel sliced through the visitors’ defence. Mavesere completed a first-half hat-trick as the Sharks surged into a commanding 29-point lead at the interval.

The visitors showed greater enterprise after the break, with Marnus Rademeyer and Brooklyn Newman narrowing the gap, but the Sharks XV never looked seriously threatened. Mavesere bagged his fourth try in a remarkable individual display before replacement hooker Jacques Marais struck twice late in the match.

In Nelspruit, Airlink Pumas produced the performance of the weekend as they powered to a 52-26 victory over the Toyota Cheetahs to secure their place in the semi-finals. Facing a side that had already qualified for the play-offs and was still challenging the defending champion Suzuki Griquas for top spot, the hosts played with intensity, urgency and attacking ambition throughout.

The Pumas led 28-7 at half-time and eventually crossed for eight tries, while the Free Staters replied with four of their own.

Knowing victory would remove any doubt about qualification, the men from Mpumalanga attacked from the outset and consistently won the gain-line battle. Their forwards established dominance in the tight exchanges, creating the platform for the backs to exploit space out wide. The result was a constant stream of attacking opportunities that gradually overwhelmed the Cheetahs’ defence.

And in the final league match of the season, the defending champions Suzuki Griquas secured top spot on the Carling Currie Cup log with a powerful 48-17 victory over the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers in Wellington on Sunday, ending the hosts’ hopes of reaching the semi-finals.

In a match with everything at stake for Boland, the home side made a promising start and remained firmly in contention throughout a competitive first half. Ashlon Davids opened the scoring with an early penalty goal, but Griquas responded through Marco de Witt and Dylan Maart to establish control.

Boland fought back bravely, with Sibusiso Sangweni crossing before Jayden Bantom delighted the crowd with a try that briefly gave the Kavaliers the lead. However, Griquas struck on the stroke of half-time when hooker Tiaan Lange powered over from a rolling maul to edge the visitors into a narrow 19-17 advantage at the break.

The second half belonged entirely to the visitors. Griquas turned up the intensity and dominated the physical exchanges, shutting Boland out completely after the interval.

Tries by Carl Els, Stefan Coetzee, Lourens Oosthuizen and Gurshwin Wehr, combined with the accurate boot of Liam Koen, saw the defending champions pull away emphatically. Griquas scored 29 unanswered points after half-time to seal a comprehensive victory and secure a home semi-final in Kimberley.

Scorers:

Fidelity DT Lions 36 (15), DHL Stormers XXIII 12 (0)
Lions – Tries: Gilermo Mentoe, Jarod Cairns, Ethan Adams, Renzo du Plessis, Latica Nela. Conversions: Matthew Coetzee (4). Penalty – Coetzee.
Stormers XXIII – Tries: Markus Muller, Altus Rabe. Conversion: Kyle Smith.

Hollywoodbets Sharks XV 53 (36), Vodacom Bulls XV 22 (7)
Sharks XV – Tries: Tino Mavesere (4), Ross Braude (2), Tim Swiel, Jacques Marais (2) Conversions: Luan Giliomee (4).
Bulls XV – Tries: Kebotile Maake, Marnus Rademeyer, Brooklyn Newman, Lavela Pongolo. Conversion: Ian van der Merwe.

Airlink Pumas 52 (28), Toyota Cheetahs 26 (7)
Pumas – Tries: Ntsika Fisanti, JJ Scheepers (2), Tiaan de Klerk, Chyle van Zyl (2), Andre Goedhals, Sango Xamlashe. Conversions: Clinton Swart (6).
Cheetahs – Tries: Michael Annies, Daniel Maartens, Stefan Venter, Carel-Jan Coetzee. Conversions: Faf de Klerk, Tiaan Swanepoel.

Sanlam Boland Kavaliers 17 (17), Suzuki Griquas 48 (19)
Boland – Tries: Sibusiso Sangweni, Jayden Bantom. Conversions: Ashlon Davids (2). Penalty goal: Davids
Griquas – Tries: Marco de Witt, Dylan Maart, Tiaan Lange, Carl Els, Stefan Coetzee, Lourens Oosthuizen, Gurshwin Wehr. Conversions: Liam Koen (5).

SOURCE: SA RUGBY

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An emotional Ruhan Nel hopes an evolving game plan and familiar faces can help the Stormers bring the Vodacom URC trophy back to Cape Town next season, reports DEVIN HERMANUS.

The 2021-22 URC winner was named club captain on Tuesday for the 2026-27 campaign, after leading the charge most of last season in the absence of Salmaan Moerat, who has left the club and joined French Top 14 outfit La Rochelle.

Nel also skippered the Stormers in a historic 38-21 defeat by the All Blacks in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series on 7 August at Cape Town Stadium.

“I’ve always thought of myself as an emotional character; I like to play with my heart on my sleeve,” he said after showing off the Stormers’ new home jersey. “This role was actually given to me last season; the coaches thought they’d give Salmaan a break.

“I remember sitting in bed the evening before the Leinster game, thinking: ‘This isn’t going to work out for me.’ But here we are.

“I honestly hope and pray that we can make this season special.”

ICYMI: Stormers reveal new jerseys

The Stormers will kick off the new URC season against Connacht away on 25 September, then Edinburgh, before their first home game against the Sharks (10 October).

Nel and co finished the 2025-26 regular season with 12 wins, five losses and a draw, advancing to the playoffs where they beat Cardiff in the shadow of Table Mountain before falling to eventual champions Leinster in Dublin.

The 35-year-old centre was probed on what must change to get over the line this season.

“You can’t go from season to season playing the same style.

“The game has evolved so much; teams analyse you on a weekly basis, looking to counter your scrum or maul, or trap you in transition.

“With the guys coming back from Bok duty and new signings like Cheslin Kolbe and Siya Kolisi, teams will be trying to find plans to box them in. For us, it’s about evolving our game to get these guys into the match effectively.

“We’ve set high expectations for ourselves: to replicate last season’s strong start and potentially finish with a final and bring that cup back home.”

MORE: Kolbe missing key to unlocking ‘Stormers of old’

On the squad’s foundation, Nel added: “The youngsters coming through aren’t just pushing us for places; they’re pushing national guys for places.

“Most of us don’t have the luxury of putting on a Springbok jersey for six months of the year. Every morning we wake up, put on the Stormers badge and just do the work.”

Our club captain for the 26/27 season Ruhan Nel. #inittogether pic.twitter.com/DlkR8hKML2

— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) September 1, 2026

Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images

The post Ruhan fired up to lead Siya appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

The Vodacom Bulls have tied down Springbok hooker Johan Grobbelaar with a long-term contract.

Grobbelaar, who joined the Bulls in 2017, was due to come off contract next year but has now committed his future to the Pretoria-based club for another four seasons until 2030.

He has become a key figure for the Bulls and has established himself in the Springbok setup.

Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone believes keeping Grobbelaar sends a strong message.

“Johan embodies everything we stand for at the Bulls. He’s a warrior on the field, a natural leader in the environment, and a loyal servant to this union who has consistently delivered at the highest level year after year.

“To have a player of his calibre and international pedigree commit his best years to Loftus until 2030 is a massive statement of intent for our franchise.

“We are thrilled that ‘Grobbies’ will continue to be a pillar of our pack as we pursue silverware in the years ahead.”

MORE: Bulls take tradition into tomorrow

Grobbelaar’s extension comes as the Bulls continue to bolster their hooker stocks.

The club has also been linked with fellow Springbok Malcolm Marx, although those negotiations remain ongoing.

Grobbies, Here to Stay

Read more https://t.co/BEJrPSqkdW pic.twitter.com/I1DVJDTZ33

— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) September 2, 2026

Photo: Kian Abdullah/Gallo Images

The post Grobbies commits for the long haul appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana star Khuliso Mudau has turned one of football’s most recognisable running jokes into a major commercial win.

He has officially become a brand ambassador for iconic South African bubblegum brand Chappies.

KHULISO MUDAU TURNS GUM INTO GOLD

The right-back’s famous habit of chewing gum during matches had become a regular talking point among South African football supporters.

His fans repeatedly shared clips, memes and jokes about the Sundowns star rarely taking to the pitch without his trademark bubblegum.

What started as a social media joke has now become an official partnership.

For months, football fans across Mzansi closely followed Mudau’s chewing habit, with supporters turning his matchday routine into a social media phenomenon.

Football statistics platform OptaJabu even joined in on the fun, jokingly keeping track of the hundreds of pieces of gum the defender had chewed since joining the Brazilians.

The campaign eventually caught the attention of Chappies, transforming the running joke among Sundowns supporters into a real commercial opportunity for the defender.

Mudau, affectionately known as Sailor, now joins a select group of South African football personalities associated with the iconic brand.

The partnership has been celebrated by Sundowns supporters, particularly because it represents a perfect example of how an organic fan joke can evolve into a major endorsement.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS STAR FACES LONG ABSENCE

The commercial breakthrough comes at a difficult time for Mudau on the football pitch.

The defender recently suffered a devastating Achilles tendon rupture during a Betway Premiership match, with the non-contact injury requiring surgery and ruling him out for an extended period.

The Sundowns and Bafana Bafana will consequently have to cope without one of their key right-backs for several months, with head coach Miguel Cardoso confirming the severity of the setback.

While Mudau faces a long road back to competitive football, his latest off-field development provides something positive during a challenging period.