Heyneke Meyer’s SWD Eagles missed out on Currie Cup qualification as the Boland Cavaliers snatched the final SA Cup semi-final spot on points difference.
SWD hammered the Leopards 69-19 in George on Saturday, but Boland’s ruthless 85-29 dismantling of Eastern Province in Wellington secured their place in both the SA Cup semi-finals and this year’s Currie Cup Premier Division.
Both sides finished level on 32 log points, but Boland’s vastly superior points difference of +212 compared to SWD’s +61 proved decisive.
The Eagles, coached this season by former Springbok mentor Meyer, were one of the competition’s most improved teams and will be bitterly disappointed after falling just short.
MORE: Cheetahs sneak into Currie Cup
The Eagles and Boland had been left in a straight shootout for the fourth and final spot after the Cheetahs pulled off a 32-31 win against log leaders Griquas in Bloemfontein on Friday night.
The dramatic encounter saw Griquas winger Dylan Maart score after the hooter to give the visitors a chance for victory but replacement flyhalf Liam Koen missed the difficult conversion to spark wild celebrations among the home fans.
Boland wing Xavier Mitchell starred in Wellington, scoring a remarkable seven tries in the 13-try rout of EP on the occasion of his 50th cap for the Cavaliers.
Mitchell crossed four times in the first half as Boland took complete control before adding three more after the break in a stunning individual display.
Boland now join Griquas, the Pumas and the Cheetahs in the SA Cup semi-finals.
Top-of-the-table Griquas will host Boland in Kimberley, while defending champions the Pumas welcome the Cheetahs to Nelspruit.
This year’s Currie Cup Premier Division will feature the four SA Cup qualifiers alongside the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers.
SWD, meanwhile, will compete in the Currie Cup First Division together with the Valke, Griffons, Leopards, Eastern Province and Border.
SA Cup Round 10 results
Cheetahs 32 Griquas 31
Pumas 61 Griffons 12
SWD Eagles 69 Leopards 19
Boland Cavaliers 85 Eastern Province 29
Border Bulldogs 12 Valke 50
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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