RUGBY WRAP: Pumas, Cheetahs through to Currie Cup finale; Toulouse crowned kings of France and Super Rugby Pacific final confirmed

Currie Cup SFs: Cheetahs, Pumas progress to final

In Saturday’s first Currie Cup semi-final encounter in Bloemfontein, the Free State Cheetahs beat the Blue Bulls for the third time this season thanks to a  39-10 mauling. Hawies Fourie’s outfit were far too good on the day and booked themselves a home final, while Jake White has big questions to answer in Pretoria ahead of their next campaign.

In Durban, the Pumas bested the Sharks 26-20 to earn passage to their second successive final. The men form Mbombela scored mere seconds into the encounter and ultimately held on for a shot at defending their tournament crown.

Top 14 Final: Toulouse deny La Rochelle yet again

In a rematch of the 2021 final, Toulouse again had La Rochelle’s number, coming away with a 29-26 win at the Stade de France. Romain Ntamack’s exceptional late try proved the difference as Les Rouge et Noir earned their 22nd title, an astonishing eight more than next-best Stade Francais.

For Ronan’s O’Gara’s side, they will have to continue their wait for a first Top 14 despite being crowned champions of Europe last month.

SR Pacific SFs: Saders embarrass Blues, Chiefs outlast Brumbies

The Crusaders absolutely smacked the Blues 52-15 at the Orangetheory on Friday to make yet another Super Rugby final. Some had tipped the Aucklanders to cause an upset against an injury-affected Saders outfit, but Scott Robertson’s perennial champions paid no heed.

The Chiefs will host the final after a Damian McKenzie-inspired performance powered them to a 19-6 defeat of the Brumbies at the FMG Stadium. Having beaten the Crusaders twice already this season, they’ll fancy their chances.