It was nothing short of a rugby opera in Wellington this Sunday, as Boland snatched a last-gasp victory from the jaws of defeat against the Cheetahs. With 88 minutes on the clock, Boland's own Donavon Don turned hero, clinching a jaw-dropping 37-35 win to wrap up the first round of the 2025 Currie Cup in style.
Boland set the tone early, their aggression at the scrum and breakdown putting the Cheetahs on the back foot. James Tedder, the boot fairy, kept the points coming, ensuring Boland dominated both territory and possession initially. However, the Cheetahs weren't about to roll over. A botched lineout from Boland handed Marko Janse van Rensburg the chance to pounce, narrowing the gap to 13-7 after Cohen Jasper slotted the conversion.
The game's momentum swung like a pendulum, with Boland's physicality waning and the Cheetahs finding their stride. Rewan Kruger sneaked over to push the Cheetahs ahead, but Boland had a few tricks left. Ashlon Davids dazzled with a double, including a spectacular finish from a counter that started in their own half, helping Boland to a 27-14 halftime lead.
"From downtown, Ashlon Davids finishes off a spectacular Boland team effort"
The Cheetahs roared back in the second half, with tries from Carel-Jan Coetzee, Gideon van der Merwe, and Vernon Paulo flipping the script to 35-27. But as the clock ticked down, Paulo’s yellow card gave Boland a sliver of hope. Marcqiewn Titus’s late try brought them within touching distance, setting the stage for Don's dramatic winner.
The heroics extended beyond the players, with Boland's coach lauding his team's resilience.
"Brave Boeta was class"
he remarked, reflecting on the performance of his players under pressure.With this thrilling victory sealed, Boland now look ahead to their next challenge against Griquas in Kimberley, while the Cheetahs aim to regroup as they host the Pumas back in Bloemfontein. If this match is anything to go by, the 2025 Currie Cup is set to be a rollercoaster of emotions and adrenaline. Grab your jerseys and your popcorn, folks—this rugby ride is just getting started!