The second round of the 2025 Carling Currie Cup First Division delivered high-octane rugby action, featuring a dramatic comeback, a dominant unbeaten side, and a try-scoring masterclass.
Eagles Soar Past Border in Nail-Biter
In a pulsating clash at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London, the Border Bulldogs looked set for victory after racing to a 26-12 halftime lead. However, defensive lapses and a resurgent Eagles side saw the visitors storm back in the second half to snatch a thrilling 33-29 win. The result leaves Border searching for answers after letting a commanding lead slip, while the Eagles celebrate a hard-fought away triumph.
Valke Remain Unbeaten with Commanding Win
The Valke continued their strong start to the season with a dominant 50-24 victory over the Leopards at Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park. The East Rand side, now the only unbeaten team in the competition after two rounds, showcased their attacking prowess to secure a second straight win. The Leopards, meanwhile, will need to regroup after suffering another heavy defeat.
Van den Hever Stars as Griffons Crush EP
Hooker Willem van den Hever was the standout performer in Welkom, scoring four tries as the Griffons overpowered Eastern Province (EP) 66-32 at the Down Touch Investments Stadium. The hosts ran in nine tries to EP’s four in a match that highlighted their attacking firepower. The result puts the Griffons firmly in contention early in the season.
Round 3 Fixtures Set for Another Rugby Spectacle
Next weekend’s action promises more excitement as log leaders the Valke travel to East London to face Border in a Friday evening clash (18h00). Meanwhile, SWD will host the Griffons in George at the same time. The round concludes on Saturday in Potchefstroom, where the Leopards take on EP (15h00).
With the competition heating up, fans can expect more drama as teams jostle for early supremacy in the Carling Currie Cup First Division.
Scorers:
Valke 50 (40), Leopards 24 (7)
Valke:
Tries: Zingisa April (3), Waqar Solaan, Blaine Golden, Sergio Stalmeester, Mosolwa Mafuma, Adrian Joubert.
Conversions: Keagan Fortune (4), Mbembe Payi.
Leopards:
Tries: Siniothando Tshontsyi, Jason Jansen, Brandon Keevy, Gcino Mdletshe.
Conversions: Shaun Baxter (2).
NovaVit Griffons 66 (35), Eastern Province 32 (17)
Griffons:
Tries: Willem van den Heever (4), Buhle Nojekwa, Kabelo Mokoena, Ngia Selengbe, Richman Gora, Joshua Paris.
Conversions: Andrew Kota (8), Kyle Cyster.
Penalty goal: Kota.
EP:
Tries: Johannes Huisamen, Sherwin Slater, Rodney Damons, Andile Ngonyama. Conversions: Oliver Zono (3).
Penalty goals: Zono (2).
Border Bulldogs 29 (26), Phangela SWD Eagles 33 (12)
Border:
Tries: Kamvelihle Fatyela (2), Soso Xakalashe, Camagu Dlisani.
Conversions: Maxwell Klaasen (3).
Penalty goal: Klaasen.
Eagles:
Tries: Marco Fuhri (2), Clive Kruger (2), Marlo Weich.
Conversions: Weich (3), Sachin Toring.
