Griquas book Currie Cup semifnal after rout against Cheetahs

The result set up a semifinal against the fourth-placed Lions next weekend and allowed Griquas to finish the regular season with plenty of attacking momentum. It also preserved the Lions' place in the top four, as Boland needed victory to overtake them.

The hosts opened the scoring when flyhalf Ashlon Davids kicked an early penalty after the Cavaliers applied pressure at the breakdown.

Griquas soon showed their attacking intent. After choosing the corner instead of taking three points, they established a lineout drive inside the Boland 10-metre area. The pack created space for Marco de Witt to peel away and power through the defence for the opening try.

The visitors continued to dominate territory, while Boland's discipline deteriorated. After several infringements near their own line, Joshua Eras was sent to the sin bin.

Griquas immediately exploited the extra space. Liam Koen spotted room out wide and delivered a well-judged cross-field kick to winger Dylan Maart, who claimed the ball and scored in the corner for Griquas' second try.

Boland fought back when Griquas were reduced to 14 men after prop Leon Lyons received a yellow card for a high tackle.

The hosts eventually created pressure with a kick downfield and a series of carries in the Griquas 22. Sibusiso Sangweni finished the move by powering over the line, reducing the deficit to 12-10.

Boland then produced their best passage of the half. After recovering from a failed attacking lineout, they went coast to coast, with Jayden Bantom slicing through the Griquas defence to put the Cavaliers ahead.

Griquas responded almost immediately. Forced back into defensive action after the restart, Boland could not withstand the visitors' forward pressure. Tiaan Lange broke through to score Griquas' third try and regain the lead.

The five-pointer also made Lange the competition's leading try-scorer for the season. Griquas led 19-17 at half-time.

The second stanza quickly turned in Griquas' favour. Boland attempted a quick restart from a goal-line drop-out, but the ball failed to travel five metres, handing the visitors possession from a 5-metre feed.

Griquas drove the Cavaliers' scrum backwards, creating the opening for Carel Els to ground the ball and score their fourth try.

Coetzee added another try a few minutes later as Griquas stretched their advantage. Boland's frustration continued when centre Jurick Lewis was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle.

Griquas returned to their powerful maul after kicking for another attacking lineout. This time, Lourens Oosthuizen finished the drive, scoring their sixth try and extending the lead to 40-17.

Boland's hopes of a comeback ended when Lunathi Nxele received a card for a dangerous tackle in the 71st minute. The sanction was upgraded to a permanent red card, leaving the Cavaliers with 14 players.

Griquas took advantage once again, with flyer Gurshwin Wehr crossing for their seventh try. Replacement flyhalf George Whitehead added a late penalty to complete the victory.

Griquas' seven tries came through a combination of driving mauls, powerful carries, set-piece pressure, accurate kicking and incisive running. For Boland, poor discipline and repeated errors proved decisive as their season ended heavily.

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