Blitzbok flyer Donavon Don sealed a dramatic victory for Boland over the Cheetahs in Wellington on Sunday to bring the curtain down on the opening round of the 2025 Currie Cup.
Boland made an aggressive start, applying pressure at the scrum and breakdown, while their backline tested the visitors’ defence. They dominated territory and possession in the opening quarter, with fullback James Tedder, formerly of the Lions and Sporting Club Albigeois, keeping the scoreboard ticking from the tee.
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The Cheetahs struggled for control, with flyhalf Ethan Wentzel kicking the ball dead after the restart, and a string of penalties gifting Boland secure field position. The pressure told when flyhalf Ashlon Davids dotted down after a patient build-up, and Tedder’s conversion put the hosts 13-0 ahead.
From downtown 😮💨👟
Ashlon Davids finishes off a spectacular Boland team effort 🤌🔥
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A misfire at the lineout gave the Cheetahs an opening, as hooker Marko Janse van Rensburg capitalised on an overthrow to score. Fullback Cohen Jasper added the extras to cut the deficit to six.
Boland’s physical edge faded as the Cheetahs settled into the contest. A series of penalties allowed the visitors to build momentum, and scrumhalf Rewan Kruger sniped over to edge them 14-13 in front.
Boland hit back almost immediately. A defensive lapse allowed Blitzbok David Brits to score, before flanker Gideon van der Merwe was sent to the bin. Davids then finished a counter-attack that started deep in Boland territory for his second try, giving the hosts a 27-14 lead at half time.
The Cheetahs responded with a strong third quarter. Replacement centre Carel-Jan Coetzee crossed the line, followed by tries from Van der Merwe and Vernon Paulo. With less than 10 minutes to play, the visitors led 35-27.
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But Paulo’s yellow card, two minutes before full time, opened the door for a late Boland push. Wing Marcqiewn Titus, scored just before full-time to bring the hosts within three points, and Boland consolidated possession from the ensuing restart, and patiently mounted a do-or-die assault against Free State.
Donovan Don gets it over in the corner 😤🔥
What a win for the Boland Cavaliers in front of their home crowd 🏉#CarlingCurrieCup | #SSRugby pic.twitter.com/QDnmcEbMov
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 27, 2025
In the 88th minute, Don struck the final blow, racing in for the decisive try to snatch a 37-35 win.
In the next round, Boland face Griquas in Kimberley, while the Cheetahs return to Bloemfontein to host the Pumas.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
