The defending champions will return to Kimberley for a home semi-final against the fourth-placed Lions on Sunday, heading into the knockout stages with plenty of momentum. The result was also crucial for the Lions, as Boland needed victory to keep their own top-four hopes alive. 

However, an error-strewn and increasingly ill-disciplined performance ultimately proved costly for the Cavaliers.

The result also sets up a repeat of last year’s final, when the Griquas stunned the Lions at Ellis Park to lift the Currie Cup for the first time in 55 years.

Gurswin Wehr. Photo: Morgan Piek

Boland made the brighter start, with Ashlon Davids opening the scoring from the kicking tee after the Griquas were penalised at the breakdown.

The visitors responded by turning down a shot at goal after earning an offside penalty, instead choosing an attacking lineout. The gamble paid off as a powerful maul was set up, with Marco de Witt peeling away and forcing his way over in the corner.

Griquas continued to threaten with ball in hand, but a lost forward from their maul allowed Boland to clear their lines.

As the half progressed, the pressure began to tell. Boland conceded a series of penalties in their own territory and eventually saw Joshua Eras sent to the sin bin.

Griquas quickly capitalised. Liam Koen spotted space out wide and delivered a perfectly weighted cross-field kick to Dylan Maart, who gathered cleanly before finishing in the corner.

Boland hit back when Griquas loose forward Leon Lyons was yellow-carded for a high tackle. The Cavaliers suddenly found another gear, with Sibusiso Sangweni eventually powering over after a series of phases to reduce the deficit to 12-10.

Dylan Maart during the 2025 Currie Cup final against the Lions in Johannesburg. Photo: Morgan Piek

The home side then showed plenty of character, but their execution let them down inside the Griquas’ 22. Jayden Bantom produced a superb burst through the defensive line to put Boland ahead, only for the visitors to respond almost immediately.

Tiaan Lange crashed over for his second try of the match, moving him to the top of the Currie Cup try-scoring charts.

Griquas led 19-17 at half-time, but the game changed dramatically after the restart.

Stefan Coetzee against the Lions earlier in the Currie Cup. Photo: Morgan Piek

Boland’s attempted quick goal-line dropout failed to travel the required five metres, handing Griquas possession in prime attacking territory. The visitors drove forward from the resulting scrum before Carel Els grounded the ball on the tryline.

From there, the Griquas began to pull away. Coetzee added another try before Boland centre Jurick Lewis was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle. 

The visitors continued to pile on the pressure, with Lourens Oosthuizen finishing off another attacking lineout.

At 40-17, the result was effectively beyond doubt. Boland’s frustrations boiled over again when Lunathi Nxele was yellow-carded in the 71st minute, with the card upgraded to a permanent red.

Griquas took full advantage of the numerical advantage, with Gurswin Wehr finally getting his name on the scoresheet before replacement flyhalf George Whitehead added the final points from the kicking tee.

The Peacock Blues now head into the semi-finals with an unbeaten home record, home-ground advantage, and growing confidence as they look to defend their Currie Cup crown.

Griquas captain Albert Liebenberg and George Whitehead tackling Reinhardt Jonker earlier in the Currie Cup. Photo: Morgan Piek

Sunday’s semi-final at the Suzuki Stadium will kick-off at 13:00, while later in the day at 15:30 the Toyota Cheetahs will tackle the Pumas in Bloemfontein in the second playoff game.

Boland: Tries - Sibusiso Sangweni, Jayden Bantom Conv. - Ashlon Davids 2 Pen. - Davids

Griquas: Tries - Marco de Witt, Dylan Maart, Tiaan Lange, Carl Els, Stefan Coetzee, Lourens Oosthuizen, Gurswin Wehr Conv. - Liam Koen 5

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs