Griquas edge Western Province in Currie Cup thriller
In front of a large crowd that included players from the team that won the Currie Cup in 1970, Griquas edged out Western Province in another great match in between these two Cape rivals.
Western Province, traditionally the glamour boys of South African rugby, made the trip to Kimberley to take on the in form Griquas, but possibly didn’t expect such a hard fought contest.
They have a handful of star players, some of which would have been seen playing against the Lions for both the Royal XV and the Southern Spears.
The first half was closely contended and they went into the break at 20-17 to the home side. Flyhalf Naas Olivier, who last seasons played in the Top 14 in France, was on fine form as he punished the visitors with some great kicking.
Province came back later in the game through Tonderai Chavhanga, as Western Province stayed in the hunt. A brilliant drop kick from Riaan Viljoen extended the Griquas lead to 33-25 though.
Another Western Province try, this time from Pieter Louw, proved too little too late though, as Griquas came out worthy winners 33-32.
Time: 04:56
Western Province, traditionally the glamour boys of South African rugby, made the trip to Kimberley to take on the in form Griquas, but possibly didn’t expect such a hard fought contest.
They have a handful of star players, some of which would have been seen playing against the Lions for both the Royal XV and the Southern Spears.
The first half was closely contended and they went into the break at 20-17 to the home side. Flyhalf Naas Olivier, who last seasons played in the Top 14 in France, was on fine form as he punished the visitors with some great kicking.
Province came back later in the game through Tonderai Chavhanga, as Western Province stayed in the hunt. A brilliant drop kick from Riaan Viljoen extended the Griquas lead to 33-25 though.
Another Western Province try, this time from Pieter Louw, proved too little too late though, as Griquas came out worthy winners 33-32.
Time: 04:56
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19 Comments:
Large crowd? gee you must be joking... attendance to Currie cup games are pathetic, they can't even fill up a whole stand... You should see the crowds in the guiiness premiership or the air nz cup
By Joost, at August 12, 2009 11:17 pm
Gee thanks Joost.
I think you'll find that the term 'large' doesn't always refer to on a world stage, but in fact, large for Kimberley.. a small mining town.
Naas Olivier, Sarel Pretorious, and Riaan Viljoen seem to all be quality players. Good game.
By Shaft, at August 12, 2009 11:38 pm
the grass burns on that surface must be absolutely brutal.
By Inside Shoulder, at August 12, 2009 11:47 pm
@ joost
it's a small town
and in the premiership there usually are bout 10000 to 15000 ppl,
however the SA stadiums are MUCH bigger (30000 to 50000)
so often looks empty, but are more ppl than you might think
By Cheis, at August 12, 2009 11:57 pm
that was fun to watch, those droppies were beauts
By shoe, at August 13, 2009 12:38 am
"You should see the crowds in the guiiness premiership or the air nz cup "
Haha
By ToulouseFan, at August 13, 2009 1:15 am
I think RD is forgettin the fact that Juan Martin Hernandez has started playing for the sharks. In my opinion thats more important than most of what has been posted lately
By Ricky G, at August 13, 2009 2:13 am
I think Ricky G is too ignorant to realise that the Sharks match wasn't televised..
By FrankyH, at August 13, 2009 10:17 am
Apparently Naas Olivier made an amazing try saving tackle on Frikke Welsh in this match, having chased him down over 30 metres or so. Shame that didn't make the highlights reel! Never mind, cheers RD!
By Peej, at August 13, 2009 11:11 am
Oh, and which Top 14 club did Olivier play for last season? Anyone know?
By Peej, at August 13, 2009 11:11 am
actully nice to see some defending in a a SH match!!
i know there were a good few trys but at least they didnt come from stuiped missed tackles the other side of the field!!
By creggs08, at August 13, 2009 12:39 pm
nice drop goals
By ybr, at August 13, 2009 1:16 pm
BRUTAL DROP GOALS, die of envy mr. Steyn
By Unknown, at August 13, 2009 11:04 pm
So stoked to see another team competitive in Currie Cup, but I just hope that SARugby and Sponsors can step in with some financial backing to keep the good players there preventing a mass exodus of talent to WP and Bulls as has been the case over the last few years.
Cant wait for the Sharks v. Griquas next week!
By Habanaforthetryline_over, at August 14, 2009 1:36 am
Peej...
I believe he played super14 for the Stormers but dont get confused cause he was still a griquas player.
But cause Griquas don't play in the super 14 they feed into the Stormers system. That's why at least 1 of the Stormers home games in S14 is played in Kimberley.
More importantly though... neither of them have got s*#t on the sharks or bulls...
By Habanaforthetryline_over, at August 14, 2009 1:41 am
Bath Fan here. So glad we got the signing of Luke Watson now. At first I was sceptical about him coming to the Rec after our controversial problems with him being one of the most controversial players to play the game. However I have seen a few clips now of him being a truly impressive player. Not so much here but he was involved in all but one try there. Cant wait to see him in the premiership for the Bath Boys :D
By Anonymous, at August 15, 2009 3:22 pm
He'll probably end up getting banned for drug taking within 6 months if he's going to Bath...
By Anonymous, at August 15, 2009 11:33 pm
only the cheetahs play super 14 games in kimberley..not the stormers
By Anonymous, at August 16, 2009 5:29 pm
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
By Tessa, at August 19, 2009 12:06 pm
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