The British and Irish Lions will be looking for a marked improvement in their performance when they clash with the Golden Lions on Wednesday.

Canterbury Crusaders climbed into Super 14 semifinal contention with a 32-20 win over the Lions in Johannesburg on Friday.

Winger Henno Mentz scored two tries on Saturday as the Lions beat the Queensland Reds 31-20 in a match between the also-rans in Super 14 rugby.

The Sharks were just too good for the Lions as they cruised to a 29-14 victory in the first Currie Cup semifinal at Absa Stadium on Saturday.

The Free State Cheetahs and the Sharks meet in Durban in a Currie Cup clash that is vital to both sides’ aspirations.

The Lions thrash the Valke 83-14 in their Currie Cup match in Brakpan, while the Border Bulldogs beat the Pumas in East London.

The Lions on Saturday ran out deserved 27-13 winners against Western Province. Also victorious were the SWD Eagles and the Platinum Leopards.

The return of nine Springboks and two shock successive defeats of Western Province make this weekend’s Currie Cup rugby fare especially interesting.

The Blue Bulls secured their third win of the season on Saturday, beating the Cheetahs 31-23. Also, Griquas edged Western Province 21-20.

Bulls player John Mametsa scores a second hat-trick in successive matches against the Lions to set up a 21-7 victory over their southern neighbours.