The Boland Kavaliers produced a remarkable fightback to beat the Lions 38-29 in a thrilling Currie Cup encounter at Wits University on Friday afternoon.
The visitors endured a nightmare opening as they conceded four penalties in the first two minutes before Lewis Nxele was sent to the sin-bin in the fifth minute for repeated infringements.
The Lions made the numerical advantage count, with flyhalf Sam Francis kicking the opening points before a brilliant break from inside his own half by centre Exauce Kevani set up Keagan Smith for a try in the 10th minute.
Captain Jarod Cairns barged over three minutes later as the Kavaliers’ defence was stretched, leaving the Lions 17-0 ahead.
Boland refused to buckle, however, with loosehead prop Mthokozisi Gumede powering over for their opening try in the 18th minute. Gumede was then yellow-carded for a high tackle, but the Kavaliers continued to apply pressure through powerful rolling mauls and pick-and-drives.
The Lions were reduced to 14 when Mahle Sithole was sent to the sin-bin, and Boland capitalised when Gift Sithole crossed shortly before half-time to leave the visitors trailing 17-14 at the break.
Despite being a man down at the start of the second half, the Lions began strongly, but it was Boland who seized control. Substitute Sibusiso Sangweni powered over under the posts in the 46th minute to put the Kavaliers ahead for the first time at 21-17.
The visitors dominated the collisions and territory, with Deandre Leonard also dotting down as Boland stretched their lead to 28-17.
The Lions responded almost immediately, with Smith scoring his second try in the corner to reduce the deficit to six points.
A frantic final quarter followed, with Boland striking through a second for Gumede before Lions centre Rynhard Jonker crossed to make it 35-29 with five minutes remaining.
The Lions threw everything into their late pursuit of an equaliser, but the Kavaliers’ defence held firm. Tedder then landed a penalty in the 80th minute to make it 38-29 and put the result beyond doubt.
It completed a stunning turnaround for Boland, who had trailed 17-0 but fought back to claim a valuable Currie Cup victory and move into the top four, with Gumede’s two tries and powerful all-round display earning him the man-of-the-match award.
