The Leopards held their nerve in a tense 17-14 victory over the Border Bulldogs in Mdantsane on Saturday, with the result lifting them above the Griffons into fourth place on the standings. They will now travel to George to face the table-topping SWD Eagles in next weekend’s semi-final, while Eastern Province will host the Valke in Gqeberha.

Although SWD suffered a thrilling 52-45 defeat to Eastern Province in the final league fixture, they had already done enough to finish at the summit of the standings with 22 points. EP ended second on 20 points to secure home-ground advantage in the other semi-final.

Jandré Burger - Leopards

The Valke wrapped up third place on 18 points after beating the defending champions, the Griffons 34-19 in Kempton Park, while the Leopards’ hard-earned win over Border saw them leapfrog the Griffons into fourth on the log. The Leopards finished fourth on 14 points, with the Griffons left outside the play-off places on 11 points. Border brought up the rear with a solitary log point.

Knowing only a victory would keep their semi-final hopes alive, the Leopards produced a determined performance at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium.

Flyhalf Jandré Burger opened the scoring with an early penalty before Luyolo Doyi crossed for the opening try, which Burger converted. Border responded through Lonwabo Rawana, but the Leopards finished the first half strongly when prop Nash Mhere crashed over, giving the visitors a valuable 17-7 advantage at the interval.

Earlier in the Currie Cup First Division the Leopards stunned the Valke with a 48-45 victory - Leopards

The Bulldogs mounted a spirited fightback after the break as Sakhe Dingile dotted down and Khanya Kama added the extras to cut the deficit to just three points.

The closing stages were packed with drama as the Leopards were forced onto the defensive. Centre Brandon Keevy spent time in the sin bin during the first half, while lock Mncedisi Dlwengu received a 20-minute red card before replacement hooker Liyema Mgwigwi was also yellow-carded late in the contest.

Despite the setbacks, the visitors showed tremendous resilience to repel wave after wave of Border attacks and secure the victory that booked their place in the last four.

In the SA Cup the Leopards beat Border in Potchefstroom - Chris Fourie

Over in Kempton Park, the Valke confirmed third place with an impressive 34-19 win over the Griffons at Barnard Stadium, bringing the Welkom side’s campaign to a disappointing end.

The East Rand outfit laid the platform with first-half tries by lock Cayno February and wing Ilunga Mukendi to lead 10-0 at the break. After half-time they shifted through the gears as centre Zeilinga Strydom grabbed a brace, while fullback Sergio Stalmeester and winger Adrian Joubert also crossed to give the hosts complete control.

The Griffons mounted a late rally through replacement Armand Maritz, who scored twice, and lock Sergio Moreira, but it proved little more than consolation as the Valke comfortably secured their place in the semi-finals.

SA Rugby is yet to confirm the kick-off times and dates for the semi-finals.

Scorers:

Border: Tries - Lonwabo Rawana, Sakhe Dingile Conv. - Khanya Kama 2

Leopards: Tries - Luyolo Doyi, Nash Mhere Conv. -  Jandré Burger 2 Pen. - Burger

Valke:  Tries - Cayno February, Ilunga Mukendi, Zeilinga Strydom 2, Sergio Stalmeester, Adrian Joubert Conv. - Stalmeester 2

Griffons: Tries - Armand Maritz 2, Sergio Moreira Conv. - Adriaan Carelse 2

Morgan Piek OFM Sport