The Currie Cup champions were crowned Tbilisi Cup winners in Georgia on Sunday after powering past the Iberians of Spain 48-15 at the Avchala Rugby Stadium.

It was the Peacock Blues’ 21st victory in 24 matches this year and completed an unbeaten six-match campaign in the Tbilisi Cup, following their perfect run during the Bloemfontein leg of the Toyota Challenge.

Derik Pretorius. Photo: Griquas 

Fullback Connor Mahoney was the star of the show, crossing the try line four times as the Griquas finished their season in emphatic fashion.

The Kimberley side had to be patient, though. They waited until the 25th minute to get their first points, with winger Tom Nel finally breaking the deadlock after Iberians scrumhalf Estanislao Bay had given the Spanish side an early lead.

Once the floodgates opened, the Griquas quickly found their rhythm. Mahoney and centre Luke Burger both crossed shortly before half-time to give the South Africans a 19-10 advantage at the break.

Connor Mahoney scored four tries for the Currie Cup champions. Photo: Griquas

The Iberians refused to go down without a fight and Valentino Rizzo pulled another try back with 10 minutes remaining. Nel then completed his brace before Mahoney put the exclamation mark on the victory with his fourth try of the afternoon.

Meanwhile, the Toyota Cheetahs were left to rue a costly second-half against Black Lion, with three yellow cards helping the Georgian hosts turn the match on its head before winning 36-25.

The Cheetahs led 10-5 at half-time after a spirited opening 40 minutes.

Siya Nginza. Photo: Mariam Gagnidze

The Free Staters edged ahead in the 25th minute when flank Siya Nzinza finished off a spectacular move in the corner, before Tiaan Swanepoel added a penalty just before the interval.

A rolling-maul try early in the second half appeared to put the Cheetahs in control, but Black Lion hit back almost immediately. From there, the match descended into a frustrating spell for the Cheetahs as the referee’s whistle became a major factor.

With lock Carl Wegner in the sin bin, Black Lion struck twice to surge into a 24-15 lead. Replacement prop Tebogo Nkosi was then shown yellow, and shortly after Wegner returned, the Cheetahs were reduced to 13 players when fullback Ethan Wentzel was also sent to the sin bin for deliberately knocking the ball down. Even with their backs firmly against the wall, the Cheetahs refused to surrender.

Sisonke Vumazonke. Photo: Mariam Gagnidze

They scored with 13 players and, after returning to 14 men, trimmed the deficit to just six points at 31-25. Black Lion, however, had the final say, scoring after the final hooter to seal the victory.

The Pumas, meanwhile, ended their campaign in style with a commanding 68-20 demolition of Lusitanos. The Mpumalanga side ran in 10 tries after taking a 35-15 lead into half-time, making the most of their opportunities while the Portuguese side repeatedly squandered chances in the red zone.

Scorers:

Griquas: Tries - Tom Nel 2, Connor Mahoney 4, Luke Burger, Damian Markus Conv. - Darrich Visagie 2, Liam Koen 2

Iberians: Tries - Estanislao Bay, Valentino Rizzo Conv. - Bautista Guemes, Pen. - Guemes

Black Lion: Tries - Dato Abdushelishvili, Shota Kheladze, Giorgi Spanderashvili, Irakli Kavatadze 2, Luka Tsirekidze Pen. - Temur Dzodzuashvili, Tsirekidze 2.

Cheetahs: Tries - Siya Nginza, Erich Visser, Sisonke Vumazonke Conv. - Tiaan Swanepoel 2, Pen - Swanepoel 2

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs