2025 Currie Cup Opener: Bulls, Lions, and Boland Power Through With Key Victories

Rethabile Nyelele28 July , 2025

The 2025 Currie Cup got off to a thrilling start this weekend, delivering powerful performances and dramatic finishes across the board. Three teams in particular, the Bulls, Lions, and Boland Cavaliers, laid down early markers with emphatic victories that could shape the direction of this year’s campaign.

Lions Roar to Redemption After URC Disappointment

While their United Rugby Championship season ended in frustration, the Lions have flipped the script in the domestic competition. Under Mziwakhe Nkosi, their youthful Currie Cup outfit, bolstered by a handful of veterans, dismantled the Sharks 46-5 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. It was a commanding display that avenged last season’s final defeat, where the Sharks claimed a dramatic win with the last kick.

Crossing the whitewash six times to the Sharks’ single try, the Joburg-based team showed attacking intent and cohesion despite not having played any warm-up fixtures.

Nkosi admitted there were nerves ahead of kick-off but was pleased with how his side found rhythm as the match progressed.

“We lacked match practice, so we expected a bit of rust. But as the minutes ticked by, the team settled,” said Nkosi. “Now that we’ve played, we know what needs work and where we stand.”

Next up for the Lions is a home fixture against Western Province.

Bulls Blitz WP in Cape Town

The Bulls, fresh off another heartbreaking URC final loss, their third in four seasons, made a bold statement with a dominant 48-23 win over Western Province at DHL Stadium.

Despite both teams fielding youthful sides for this campaign, the Pretoria outfit looked sharp, running in eight tries in a high-energy performance. Flyhalf Boeta Chamberlain added polish with a clinical kicking display that kept the scoreboard ticking.

The result suggests the Bulls could again be title contenders in this year’s edition, even as they rotate their squad. They now turn their focus to a clash with the Sharks in Pretoria.

Boland Make a Grand Return

The most dramatic result of the weekend came in Wellington, where the Boland Cavaliers, back in top-tier rugby, shocked the seasoned Cheetahs with a last-gasp 37-35 victory. In a 10-try thriller, the home side crossed the try line deep into stoppage time to complete a stunning comeback.

The match highlighted Boland’s never-say-die attitude and suggests they won’t just be making up the numbers this season. Their next assignment is a trip to Kimberley to take on Griquas.

Pumas Show Their Intent Early

The Pumas kicked off the tournament with a confident 49-28 victory over Griquas in Mbombela on Friday. The 2022 champions outmuscled their visitors and reminded everyone why they’re still a dangerous outfit. Their next encounter sees them head to Bloemfontein for a challenging fixture against the wounded Cheetahs.

Weekend Results Recap

Pumas 49–28 Griquas
Lions 46–5 Sharks
Western Province 23–48 Bulls
Boland Cavaliers 37–35 Cheetahs

A Weekend of Early Statement Wins

This opening round served up action, upsets, and standout performances that hint at an exciting Currie Cup season ahead. The Lions, Bulls, and Boland have laid strong foundations, while the Pumas have made their intentions clear. As the fixtures roll on, expect the competition to heat up as teams push for early dominance.