Currie Cup: Semifinals fixtures confirmed
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Free State Cheetahs and Golden Lions will host the Currie Cup semifinals after the pool stages came to a dramatic close.
The Cheetahs will host the Sharks in Bloemfontein, and the Golden Lions will meet Griquas in Johannesburg.
The match at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg will kick off at 14.00 (12.00 GMT), to allow for the possibility of extra time, followed by a 17.00 (15.00 GMT) start at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, SA rugby confirmed.
Golden Lions snapped up the first home semi-final in the Currie Cup thanks to a nail-biting 27-26 victory against Griquas in Kimberley, and the Free State Cheetahs earned hosting rights for their top-four clash after holding their nerve in a tight encounter against Western Province for a 38-33 win in Bloemfontein.
Sharks, meanwhile, entered the final pool game against the Blue Bulls in Pretoria knowing that they only needed a bonus point to finish in the top four, and their 48-40 victory in a thrilling clash, allowed them to book the last semi-final spot.
A late penalty goal by Golden Lions flyhalf Shaun Reynolds sealed his team a 27-26 bonus-point victory against Tafel Lager Griquas – who entered the match with their semi-final place sealed – after both sides scored four tries in an exciting match.
Semifinal fixtures:
Saturday, August 31
Free State Cheetahs v Sharks
Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 14.00 (12.00 GMT)
Golden Lions v Griquas,
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannsburg
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT)
