Elephants’ cup final hopes on a knife-edge
EP’s hopes of reaching the Currie Cup First Division final were left hanging by the thinnest of threads after they crashed to a heavy 56-29 defeat against the Falcons in Kempton Park on Saturday.
It was a match the Elephants had to win to secure a berth in the final, which will be played between the top two teams on the log on June 23 at a venue still to be decided.
Though EP remain in a fourway tie at the top of the log with the Boland Cavaliers, Falcons and SWD Eagles, they have completed all their games.
The Cavaliers and Falcons each have a game in hand and need only a point to overtake EP and clinch their spots in the final.
It is expected the Cavaliers will beat the struggling Border Bulldogs in their final outing and the Falcons will be gunning for a win over the Leopards.
The Cavaliers kept their cup final hopes alive when they beat the SWD Eagles 29-15 at Pella Park in Porterville.
EP’s points in Kempton Park came from tries scored by Themba Boltina, Xolele Payi, Duan du Plessis and Jaden Bantom.
Elephants flyhalf Masixole Banda kicked three conversions and a penalty.
“We did not have a good game and we had a bad day at the office,” EP coach Dumisani Mhani said.
“The players are very disappointed and there were some tears in the changing room.
“The Falcons put us under the cosh in the first half and they had a good start to the game.
“They spread the ball wide and we were struggling with our breathing at altitude.
“The altitude had an effect on us and they ran us around from touchline to touchline and they spread the ball and we could not cope.
“We matched the Falcons up front, but they succeeded in knocking the wind out of us and we ended up having to chase the game.
“We tried hard and everyone is disappointed with this result.
“This was the one that we really needed to win.
“Boland must still play Border and the Falcons must play the Leopards.
“I doubt whether we will be able to sneak into the final when you look at the outstanding games.
“I do not see Boland not beating Border and the Falcons only need one point against the Leopards.
“So it will be a very long shot for us to reach the final.
“I foresee them picking up points and I don’t see a miracle happening. Unfortunately we missed the boat again, but at the end of the day, there is still next season.
“We play the San Clemente Rhinos on Saturday before going to Namibia to play against the Welwitchias.”