Next weekend, Johannesburg will be buzzing as the Lions take on the Sharks in the highly anticipated 2024 Currie Cup Premier Division final.

Both teams earned their spots after intense and dramatic semi-final matches in Gauteng on Saturday.

Lions Secure Their Spot with a Thrilling Win

At Ellis Park, the Lions showcased their resilience by coming from behind to clinch a nail-biting 43-34 victory over the reigning champions, the Cheetahs.

This win marks their first final appearance in five years.

The match was a rollercoaster, with the teams tied 19-19 at halftime.

The Lions found their groove in the second half, thanks in part to the impact of playmaker Sanele Nohamba, who scored a brilliant try and contributed crucial conversions and a penalty.

Sharks Fight Their Way to the Final

Later at Loftus Versfeld, the Sharks secured their place in the final despite a dramatic 40-40 draw with the Bulls.

The match was a true spectacle, with the Sharks advancing due to scoring more tries than their hosts.

Trevor Nyakane was the hero of the day, scoring a crucial try in extra time to help level the scores.

Despite the Bulls’ Stravino Jacobs putting them ahead in extra time, the Sharks’ resilience shone through, and a missed penalty by the Bulls’ Johan Goosen ensured the Sharks would progress.

The Stage is Set for Next Saturday

The Currie Cup final will be held at Ellis Park next Saturday at 16:00, and fans can catch all the action live on SuperSport.

The match promises to be a thrilling conclusion to an exciting season.

Semi-Final Highlights

Lions vs. Cheetahs

Lions’ Scorers: Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Ruan Venter, Jarod Cairns, Marius Louw, Morne Brandon, Sanele Nohamba
Conversions: Kade Wolhuter (3), Sanele Nohamba (2)
Penalty: Sanele Nohamba
Cheetahs’ Scorers: Ethan Wentzel (2), Victor Sekekete, Cohen Jasper, Vernon Paulo, George Lourens
Conversions: Ethan Wentzel (2)

Bulls vs. Sharks

Bulls’ Scorers: Stravino Jacobs (2), Cameron Hanekom, Keagan Johannes
Conversions: Johan Goosen (3), Boeta Chamberlain
Penalties: Johan Goosen (4)
Sharks’ Scorers: Emile van Heerden, James Venter, Bradley Davids, Ethan Hooker, André Esterhuizen, Trevor Nyakane
Conversions: Siya Masuku (4), Lionel Cronje