Boland Cavaliers shake up Currie Cup standings

The win not only ended the Lions’ unbeaten start but also injected fresh momentum into Boland’s campaign, putting them firmly in the playoff conversation.

Williams says set-piece dominance is something they take pride in.

"When it came down to set-piece time last week, we just let it slip a bit. However, we are a never-say-die team, and we work hard for one another, especially at set pieces," asserted Williams. 

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The bonus-point win propelled Boland into third place on the Carling Currie Cup standings, level on points with early leaders, the Pumas and Cheetahs.

It also underlined their impressive return to top-flight domestic rugby after rejoining the Premier Division this season.

Coach Hawies Fourie says the team is exactly where they hoped to be at this stage of the campaign.

"We have set very high goals and standards for ourselves this season. When the campaign began, we said that we want to get 20 points on the log and we are on 11 points now, with four games to go.

"It's going to be a tough task, we only have one home game left next weekend against the Bulls, and the last three games will be difficult away games, although the team has improved its performance away from home," said the seasoned coach.

This was Boland’s second home win of the season, following their dramatic 37-35 Round One victory over the Cheetahs.

Their only loss came in a high-scoring 39-48 battle with Griquas in Kimberley.

Fourie says the team must remain grounded as they build towards the business end of the competition.

For the Lions, it was their first defeat of the campaign after back-to-back home wins against the Sharks and Western Province.

Boland’s relentless pressure in every department kept the Johannesburg side on the back foot.

Head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi admits they’ll have to reassess all aspects of their game, even the areas they considered strengths.

PHOTO Credit: Boland Rugby Media-Ernest Kiilowan