Mapimpi hat-trick helps Cheetahs back to top
Winger Makazole Mapimpi scored the first hat-trick of the 2017 South African Currie Cup season as title-holders Free State Cheetahs regained top place this weekend.
His third try five minutes after the full-time hooter sounded gave the Bloemfontein outfit a dramatic 41-40 triumph over 22-time champions Blue Bulls in Pretoria.
Cheetahs were awarded a penalty after Bulls scrum-half Piet van Zyl was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-on at Loftus Versfeld stadium.
The visitors kicked for touch to trigger a thrilling climax to the match as several attempts to cross the line were repulsed before Mapimpi dived over in the corner.
It was his fifth try of the season and enhanced a fast growing reputation that led to him playing for South Africa A against the touring French Barbarians two months ago.
The former Southern Kings back is lightning quick, has the physique to brush off opponents, and looks set to become a Springbok.
Bulls winger Jamba Ulengo, who made his Test debut last season, scored twice for the home team, who led 21-17 at half-time.
A bonus-point victory for the Cheetahs lifted them to 21 points, one more than the Durban-based Sharks, who had a sixth-round bye.
Western Province, whose 33 Currie Cup titles is a record, lie third, five ponts behind Cheetahs after a remarkable 39-3 home victory in Cape Town over Golden Lions.
The scoreline suggests that the hosts dominated, but it was the Lions who won the possession and territory battles only to be thwarted by brilliant defending.
Lions had sole rights to the ball for most of the first half yet trailed 22-3 by half-time at Newlands stadium as Province took full advantage of their few chances.
The yellow-carding of winger Anthony Volmink for a high tackle on Springbok utility back Dillyn Leyds did not help the Johannesburg outfit.
World Rugby Sevens flier Seabelo Senatla and Jano Vermaak scored tries while the Lions were a man short to give Province a 31-point advantage.
After shock victories over Province and Cheetahs, Griquas surprisingly lost 27-21 at home to the Pumas, who rose from the bottom of the table with the Lions slipping to last.
Pumas laid their victory foundations in northern Cape city Kimberley by scoring three first half tries to lead 24-10 at the break.
The only consolation for Griquas was a successful George Whitehead penalty with the last kick of the game, which secured a bonus point and fourth place, just ahead of the Bulls.