No surprises in Currie Cup

JOHANNESBURG – The first weekend of Absa Currie Cup did not produce any surprises as the cream of the crop rose to the top.

The big match of the weekend, Western Province’s clash against the Lions, was indeed a close affair. It took all of the Capetonians’ experience to make sure they sealed a win (18-13) in front of an empty Newlands.Despite dominating the first half, the visitors went into the break trailing 8-6.In the opening minutes of the second half the home side scored two early tries which ensured that they had their noses in front and they maintained their lead despite a spirited fightback by the Lions.The home side produced excitement from standout players Tonderai Chavanga and Conrad Jantjies with their exceptional reading of the game, their composure in defence and their enthusiasm on attack.* Cheetahs: On Friday night the Cheetahs showed why they are joint Currie Cup champions, thrashing a hapless Boland (91-3) at Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein.Boland simply had no answers for the home side.The Cheetahs led 49-3 at half time.* Bulls: Also on Friday night, the Bulls hosted the Falcons at Loftus Versfeld and the game proved more interesting than expected.With the Bulls fielding nine players from the Super 14 final, it was anticipated that they would run circles around the visitors but it wasn’t to be.The Falcons put up such strong resistance that the home side went into the half time break with just a three-point lead (22-19).The alertness of winger Mpho Matsaung and the probing breaks from scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius ensured the Falcons were on a high midway through the game.Unfortunately, as the game progressed, their replacements just couldn’t handle the firepower of the Bulls bench.Nampa-SapaIt took all of the Capetonians’ experience to make sure they sealed a win (18-13) in front of an empty Newlands.Despite dominating the first half, the visitors went into the break trailing 8-6.In the opening minutes of the second half the home side scored two early tries which ensured that they had their noses in front and they maintained their lead despite a spirited fightback by the Lions.The home side produced excitement from standout players Tonderai Chavanga and Conrad Jantjies with their exceptional reading of the game, their composure in defence and their enthusiasm on attack.* Cheetahs: On Friday night the Cheetahs showed why they are joint Currie Cup champions, thrashing a hapless Boland (91-3) at Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein.Boland simply had no answers for the home side.The Cheetahs led 49-3 at half time.* Bulls: Also on Friday night, the Bulls hosted the Falcons at Loftus Versfeld and the game proved more interesting than expected.With the Bulls fielding nine players from the Super 14 final, it was anticipated that they would run circles around the visitors but it wasn’t to be.The Falcons put up such strong resistance that the home side went into the half time break with just a three-point lead (22-19).The alertness of winger Mpho Matsaung and the probing breaks from scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius ensured the Falcons were on a high midway through the game.Unfortunately, as the game progressed, their replacements just couldn’t handle the firepower of the Bulls bench.Nampa-Sapa