The Boland Cavaliers pulled off one of the surprises of the Vodacom Cup season when they beat the second-placed Falcons 36-29 in Brakpan on Friday night.
Trailing 26-13 at half-time, the Cavaliers clawed their back to score 22 points in the second half and claim all five points on offer.
Defeat is a blow for the Falcons who were looking to wrap up a place in the final, while victory for the Cavaliers means they edge closer to qualification for this year’s Currie Cup.
The Cavaliers scored five magnificent tries to counter the three from the Falcons, with fullback Justin Peach again a star performer, kicking three penalties and a conversion.
The Natal Wildebeest secured a home final with a crushing 71-20 win over the Mighty Elephants in Port Elizabeth.
Nico Breedt and Daniel Farani scored hat-tricks, while Grant Rees and Ryan Kankowski each got two tries as the Wildebeest touched down 10 times.
Leading 31-13 at half-time, Swys de Bruin’s side scored a further six tries in the second period as the Wildebeest went to 49 points on the log, nine ahead of the Falcons, who lost on the night.
The Natalians needed just 35 minutes to claim the bonus point, with five points never in doubt from then on in.
Michael Gallinetti had a good game for the Mighty Elephants, scoring a try as well as kicking three penalties and a conversion.
The Cheetahs won their fourth match on the trot, defeating the Lions 42-17 in a one-sided match played at Ellis Park on Friday.
Cheetahs wing Phillip Burger scored a brace as the visitors ran riot, leading 27-17 at the break and never looking like losing.
The Border Bulldogs dealt the Leopards a severe blow with their 46-38 victory in East London.
Reinhard Gerber was the pick of the Bulldogs team, scoring a well-deserved brace to go with four conversions for a personal tally of 18 points.
Griquas scored a convincing 49-15 victory over the Eagles in Kimberley. They led 24-3 at the break and completely dominated this match. Home team skipper Nicky van der Walt and flyhalf Zane Kirchner were the outstanding players as Griquas ran in six tries. Kirchner kicked four conversions and three penalties. — Sapa