Province beat Bulls, weather to keep perfect record

JOHANNESBURG: Western Province overcame the Blue Bulls and woeful weather in Pretoria this weekend to reach the South African Currie Cup semi-finals with a perfect six-victory record.

The Cape Town outfit scored four tries to lead 34-7 at half-time when the referee deemed it unsafe to continue playing at Loftus Versfeld stadium and awarded the match to Province.

Torrential rain delayed the kick-off and continued to fall during the first half, which ended with a fierce thunder-andlightning storm.

Not only did the defending champions build a commanding lead, they also secured a bonus point which sealed first place in the league phase with a maximum 30 points.

The reward for the record 34-time champions is a home semi-final against the Bulls at Newlands stadium in Cape Town this Saturday and if successful, a home final on October 27.

Given the way the Bulls forwards were outclassed in Pretoria, it is hard to imagine any semi-final result other than a convincing triumph for the titleholders.

Province have been the outstanding team this season in the Currie Cup, which was first staged 127 years ago, making it the oldest provincial rugby competition in the world.

In their greatest challenges this season, they scored 65 points away to the Golden Lions in Johannesburg and 50 at home to the Durban-based Sharks, the 2017 runners-up.

Many pundits believe only overconfidence can prevent Province lifting the trophy again this month.

With the Rugby Championship completed, the Cape Town side called up Springboks Damian Willemse, Wilco Louw and Sikhumbuzo Notshe for the Bulls match.

But it was two campaign regulars, wingers Sergeal Petersen and SP Marais, who once again stole the limelight.

Flier Petersen scored his eighth try this season -- two more than nearest challenger and Lions loose forward Hacjivah Dayimani.

SP Marais slotted three conversions and two penalties to lift his points haul to 91, making him the leading scorer this season. - AFP