2016 Currie Cup Premier Division

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2016 Currie Cup Premier Division
The Currie Cup1.jpg
The Currie Cup in 2012
Countries South Africa
Date5 August – 22 October 2016
Champions Free State Cheetahs (5th title)
Runners-up Blue Bulls
Relegated Boland Cavaliers
Eastern Province Kings
Matches played39
Tries scored321
(average 8.2 per match)
Top point scorer Tian Schoeman (146)
Top try scorer Frank Herne,
Huw Jones,
Howard Mnisi,
Kwagga Smith and
Jamba Ulengo (7)
←  2015
2017  →

The 2016 Currie Cup Premier Division was the top tier of the second stage of the 2016 Currie Cup, the 78th edition of this annual South African rugby union competition organised by the South African Rugby Union. It was played between 5 August and 22 October 2016 and featured nine teams that qualified through the 2016 Currie Cup qualification competition.

Contents

The competition was won by the Free State Cheetahs for the fifth time in their history; they beat the Blue Bulls 36–16 in the final played on 22 October 2016.

The competition was reduced to seven teams for 2017, resulting in the Boland Cavaliers and Eastern Province Kings being relegated to the 2017 Currie Cup First Division.

Competition rules and information

There are nine participating teams in the 2016 Currie Cup Premier Division.

Qualification

The six franchise teams automatically qualified for the 2016 Currie Cup Premier Division, and were joined by the three highest-placed non-franchise teams from the 2016 Currie Cup qualification stage. Points will not be carried over to the Premier Division.

Regular season and title playoffs

The nine teams that qualified for the Premier Division will play against each other over the course of the competition, either at home or away. Teams will receive four points for a win and two points for a draw. Bonus points will be awarded to teams that score four or more tries in a game, as well as to teams that lose a match by seven points or less. Teams will be ranked by log points, then points difference (points scored less points conceded).

The top four teams will qualify for the semifinals, which will be followed by a final. [1]

Relegation

In March 2017, the South African Rugby Union decided to reduce the competition to seven teams for 2017 Currie Cup Premier Division. The seven teams with the best record over the past five years were selected to remain in the Premier Division, which resulted in the Boland Cavaliers and Eastern Province Kings being relegated to the 2017 Currie Cup First Division. [2]

Teams

The teams that qualified for the 2016 Currie Cup Premier Division are: [1]

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Location of teams in the 2016 Currie Cup Premier Division

Team Listing

2016 Currie Cup Premier Division teams
TeamSponsored NameStadium/sSponsored Name
Blue Bulls Vodacom Blue Bulls Loftus Versfeld , Pretoria Loftus Versfeld
Boland Cavaliers Boland Cavaliers Boland Stadium , Wellington Boland Stadium
Eastern Province Kings Eastern Province Kings Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium , Port Elizabeth Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Free State Cheetahs Toyota Free State Cheetahs Free State Stadium , Bloemfontein Free State Stadium
Golden Lions Xerox Golden Lions Ellis Park Stadium , Johannesburg Emirates Airline Park
Griquas Griquas Griqua Park , Kimberley Griqua Park
Pumas Steval Pumas Mbombela Stadium , Mbombela Mbombela Stadium
Sharks Cell C Sharks Kings Park Stadium , Durban Growthpoint Kings Park
Western Province DHL Western Province Newlands Stadium , Cape Town DHL Newlands

    Standings

    The final log for the 2016 Currie Cup Premier Division was: [3] [note 1]

    2016 Currie Cup Premier Division log
    PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDTFTATBLBPtsQualification
    1 Free State Cheetahs 8800366181+18549180032Semi-finals
    2 Blue Bulls 8602310207+10340260024
    3 Western Province 8503266250+1635290020
    4 Golden Lions 8503355191+16449230020
    5 Sharks 8503272173+9933210020
    6 Griquas 8404265323−5833430016
    7 Boland Cavaliers 8206177301−1242441008Relegated
    8 Pumas 8107178321−1432443004
    9 Eastern Province Kings 8008137379−2421659000Relegated
    Source: [3]
    Rules for classification: 4 points for a win; 2 points for a draw; 1 bonus point for a loss by seven points or less; 1 bonus point for scoring four or more tries in a match
    1. ↑ According to the match report summary on the South African Rugby Union website, the Sharks scored five tries in their match against Griquas; however, according to the detailed scorecard, they scored six tries. [4] Similarly, the match report summary indicates that the Blue Bulls scored eight tries in their match against Griquas, while the detailed scorecard lists nine tries. [5] These missing tries are also missing from the log on the official website, and have been added into the log below.

    Round-by-round

    The table below shows a team's progression throughout the season. For each round, each team's cumulative points total is shown with the overall log position in brackets.

    Team Progression – 2016 Currie Cup Premier Division
    TeamR1R2R3R4R1 [lower-alpha 1] R5R6R7R8R9SFF
    Free State Cheetahs 5
    (1st)    		10
    (1st)    		14
    (2nd)    		14
    (2nd)    		14
    (2nd)    		19
    (2nd)    		24
    (1st)    		29
    (1st)    		34
    (1st)    		39
    (1st)    		WonWon
    Blue Bulls 5
    (3rd)    		5
    (4th)    		10
    (3rd)    		11
    (4th)    		11
    (5th)    		15
    (3rd)    		20
    (3rd)    		25
    (3rd)    		30
    (2nd)    		30
    (2nd)    		WonLost
    Western Province 1
    (4th)    		1
    (6th)    		2
    (7th)    		7
    (6th)    		7
    (6th)    		12
    (6th)    		13
    (6th)    		18
    (5th)    		23
    (4th)    		27
    (3rd)    		Lost—
    Golden Lions 0
    (5th)    		5
    (3rd)    		7
    (4th)    		12
    (3rd)    		12
    (4th)    		12
    (5th)    		17
    (5th)    		17
    (6th)    		22
    (5th)    		26
    (4th)    		Lost—
    Sharks 5
    (2nd)    		10
    (2nd)    		15
    (1st)    		19
    (1st)    		19
    (1st)    		20
    (1st)    		20
    (2nd)    		25
    (2nd)    		25
    (3rd)    		25
    (5th)    		——
    Griquas 0
    (5th)    		0
    (9th)    		4
    (6th)    		9
    (5th)    		14
    (3rd)    		14
    (4th)    		19
    (4th)    		19
    (4th)    		20
    (6th)    		21
    (6th)    		——
    Boland Cavaliers 0
    (9th)    		5
    (5th)    		5
    (5th)    		5
    (7th)    		5
    (7th)    		9
    (7th)    		9
    (7th)    		9
    (7th)    		10
    (7th)    		12
    (7th)    		——
    Pumas 0
    (8th)    		1
    (7th)    		1
    (9th)    		3
    (8th)    		3
    (8th)    		5
    (8th)    		5
    (8th)    		5
    (8th)    		5
    (8th)    		10
    (8th)    		——
    Eastern Province Kings 0
    (5th)    		0
    (8th)    		1
    (8th)    		1
    (9th)    		1
    (9th)    		1
    (9th)    		1
    (9th)    		1
    (9th)    		1
    (9th)    		1
    (9th)    		——
    Key:windrawlossbye

    Matches

    The following matches were played in the 2016 Currie Cup Premier Division: [7] [8]

    Round one

    The 2016 Currie Cup Premier Division got off to a turbulent start after the Lions reached the 2016 Super Rugby final and requested that the Golden Lions be given a bye in Round One of the competition. In addition, the Eastern Province Kings were liquidated the day before the competition was due to kick off. They were reformed with the help of their local municipal council, but with no coaches or players in place, their Round One match against Griquas was also postponed. [lower-alpha 1] On the field, the action got underway in Pretoria, where the Blue Bulls beat 2015 losing finalists Western Province 45–26. They scored six tries, with Tian Schoeman kicking 15 points, while Western Province responded with four tries, all in the final twenty minutes of the match. In the other match played on the Friday evening, the Sharks beat the Pumas 33–10 in Nelspruit, outscoring the hosts by five tries to one. The biggest victory of the weekend came in the Saturday match, with the Free State Cheetahs beating Boland Cavaliers 44–16 in Wellington, also scoring five tries to one to go top of the log. Fred Zeilinga scored nineteen points in that match, the most by any player in Round One. [9]

    5 August 2016 Blue Bulls 45–26 Western Province Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria  
    17:10Try: Piet van Zyl Ru ball.svg 18'
    Jason Jenkins Ru ball.svg 32'
    Marvin Orie Ru ball.svg 34'
    Jade Stighling Ru ball.svg 47'
    Jamba Ulengo Ru ball.svg 54'
    Bjorn Basson Ru ball.svg 79'
    Con: Tian Schoeman Rugby penalty.svg 20', 33', 36', 48', 55', 80' (6/6)
    Pen: Tian Schoeman Rugby penalty.svg 7' (1/1)    		Report [10]
    Scoreboard [11]     		Try: Johnny Kôtze Ru ball.svg 61'
    Leolin Zas Ru ball.svg 70'
    Huw Jones Ru ball.svg 71'
    Scott van Breda Ru ball.svg 77'
    Con: Brandon Thomson Rugby penalty.svg 62', 71', 77' (3/4)
    Pen: Robert du Preez (0/1)
    Drop: Brandon Thomson (0/1)    		Attendance: 3,498
    Referee: Stuart Berry
    5 August 2016 Pumas 10–33 Sharks Mbombela Stadium, Mbombela  
    19:20Try: Frank Herne Ru ball.svg 27'
    Con: Francois Brummer Rugby penalty.svg 28' (1/1)
    Pen: Francois Brummer Rugby penalty.svg 4' (1/1)    		Report [12]
    Scoreboard [13]     		Try: Franco Marais Ru ball.svg 13'
    Odwa Ndungane Ru ball.svg 18'
    S'bura Sithole Ru ball.svg 50'
    Ruan Botha Ru ball.svg 66'
    André Esterhuizen Ru ball.svg 72'
    Con: Curwin Bosch Rugby penalty.svg 14', 19', 51', 73' (4/5)
    Pen: Curwin Bosch (0/1)    		Attendance: 2,890
    Referee: Pro Legoete
    6 August 2016 Boland Cavaliers 16–44 Free State Cheetahs Boland Stadium, Wellington  
    15:00Try: Danwel Demas Ru ball.svg 68'
    Con: Nico Scheepers Rugby penalty.svg 69' (1/1)
    Pen: Nico Scheepers Rugby penalty.svg 19', 26', 40' (3/3)    		Report [14]
    Scoreboard [15]     		Try: Sergeal Petersen Ru ball.svg 9'
    Raymond Rhule Ru ball.svg 47'
    William Small-Smith Ru ball.svg 50'
    Shaun Venter Ru ball.svg 55'
    Francois Venter Ru ball.svg 78'
    Con: Fred Zeilinga Rugby penalty.svg 10', 48', 51', 56', 79' (5/5)
    Pen: Fred Zeilinga Rugby penalty.svg 5', 44', 53' (3/4)    		Attendance: 1,250
    Referee: Rodney Boneparte
    Bye/s: Eastern Province Kings, Golden Lions, Griquas

    Round two

    The Free State Cheetahs retained their spot at the top of the Currie Cup after outscoring the Blue Bulls by six tries to two in a 43–20 victory in their match in Bloemfontein, while the Sharks kept pace with them by also securing a bonus-point victory in their match against Griquas, scoring six tries in a 46–24 victory in Durban. The Golden Lions started their title defense in style, with lock Lourens Erasmus scoring a try just 8.5 seconds into their match against the Pumas, a new Currie Cup record for the fastest-ever try. The Golden Lions won the match 68–26 to move into third position on the log, scoring ten tries in the process, of which winger Anthony Volmink scored two. In the other match of the weekend, the Boland Cavaliers secured their first win of the season, winning 28–10 in their first match against the Eastern Province Kings in the Currie Cup Premier Division since 1999. [16]

    12 August 2016 Eastern Province Kings 10–28 Boland Cavaliers Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth  
    17:00Try: Johann Tromp Ru ball.svg 74'
    Con: Lungelo Gosa Rugby penalty.svg 75' (1/1)
    Pen: Kobus Marais Rugby penalty.svg 36' (1/3)
    Cards: Tazz Fuzani Yellow card.svg 18' to 28'
    Alcino Izaacs Yellow card.svg 59' to 69'    		Report [17]
    Scoreboard [18]     		Try: Sergio Torrens Ru ball.svg 24'
    Zandré Jordaan Ru ball.svg 46'
    Christopher Bosch Ru ball.svg 64'
    Kenan Cronjé Ru ball.svg 69'
    Con: Nico Scheepers Rugby penalty.svg 25', 47', 65', 70' (4/4)
    Pen: Nico Scheepers (0/1)    		Attendance: 464
    Referee: Rodney Boneparte
    12 August 2016 Sharks 46–24 Griquas Kings Park Stadium, Durban  
    19:10Try: Etienne Oosthuizen Ru ball.svg 2'
    S'bura Sithole Ru ball.svg 8'
    André Esterhuizen Ru ball.svg 33'
    Stefan Ungerer Ru ball.svg 40'
    Tera Mtembu Ru ball.svg 60'
    Jean Deysel Ru ball.svg 76'
    Con: Curwin Bosch Rugby penalty.svg 3', 9', 34', 40', 77' (5/6)
    Pen: Curwin Bosch Rugby penalty.svg 27', 68' (2/2)    		Report [19]
    Scoreboard [4]     		Try: Rudi van Rooyen Ru ball.svg 28'
    Alshaun Bock Ru ball.svg 54'
    JW Jonker Ru ball.svg 64'
    Con: Clinton Swart Rugby penalty.svg 29', 55', 64' (3/3)
    Pen: Clinton Swart Rugby penalty.svg 21' (1/1)
    Cards: AJ le Roux Yellow card.svg 39' to 49'    		Attendance: 9,659
    Referee: Jaco van Heerden
    13 August 2016 Golden Lions 68–26 Pumas Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg  
    15:00Try: Lourens Erasmus Ru ball.svg 1'
    Jaco van der Walt Ru ball.svg 9'
    Anthony Volmink Ru ball.svg 22', 78'
    Cyle Brink Ru ball.svg 28'
    Sylvian Mahuza Ru ball.svg 38'
    Akker van der Merwe Ru ball.svg 45'
    Howard Mnisi Ru ball.svg 49'
    Koch Marx Ru ball.svg 63'
    Marnitz Boshoff Ru ball.svg 71'
    Con: Jaco van der Walt Rugby penalty.svg 2', 10', 23', 29', 39', 46' (6/7)
    Marnitz Boshoff Rugby penalty.svg 63', 72', 79' (3/3)
    Cards: Akker van der Merwe Yellow card.svg 7' to 17'
    Jacques van Rooyen Yellow card.svg 11' to 22'    		Report [20]
    Scoreboard [21]     		Try: Marlou van Niekerk Ru ball.svg 25'
    Khwezi Mona Ru ball.svg 32'
    Justin van Staden Ru ball.svg 55'
    Devon Williams Ru ball.svg 81'
    Con: Francois Brummer Rugby penalty.svg 26', 33', 82' (3/4)
    Pen: Francois Brummer (0/1)    		Attendance: 2,730
    Referee: Stuart Berry
    13 August 2016 Free State Cheetahs 43–20 Blue Bulls Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein  
    17:10Try: Francois Venter Ru ball.svg 2'
    Clayton Blommetjies Ru ball.svg 8'
    Ox Nché Ru ball.svg 28'
    Uzair Cassiem Ru ball.svg 55'
    William Small-Smith Ru ball.svg 60'
    Rayno Benjamin Ru ball.svg 74'
    Con: Fred Zeilinga Rugby penalty.svg 3', 9', 29', 61' (4/5)
    Niel Marais Rugby penalty.svg 75' (1/1)
    Pen: Fred Zeilinga Rugby penalty.svg 40' (1/1)    		Report [22]
    Scoreboard [23]     		Try: Jannes Kirsten Ru ball.svg 25'
    Ruan Steenkamp Ru ball.svg 71'
    Con: Tian Schoeman Rugby penalty.svg 26' (1/1)
    Joshua Stander Rugby penalty.svg 72' (1/1)
    Pen: Tian Schoeman Rugby penalty.svg 5', 50' (2/3)    		Attendance: 14,251
    Referee: Pro Legoete
    Bye/s: Western Province

    Round three

    The Sharks secured their third consecutive bonus-points victory against the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington, scoring six tries in a 41–20 win to leap-frog the Free State Cheetahs into top spot on the log. Although the Cheetahs also won their third match in the competition – a 32–25 victory over Western Province with fly-half Fred Zeilinga contributing 22 points – their two tries were not enough to secure a bonus point. The Blue Bulls remained in third position on the log after a high-scoring victory over the Eastern Province Kings; two tries from Jamba Ulengo and 19 points from Tian Schoeman's boot helped the side to a 49–35 victory over an EP Kings side who secured their first log point of the season by scoring five tries of their own. In the other match, the Golden Lions lost their first match since the 2014 Currie Cup Final, with Kimberley-based side Griquas beating them 30–24. [24]

    19 August 2016 Boland Cavaliers 20–41 Sharks Boland Stadium, Wellington  
    15:00Try: Danwel Demas Ru ball.svg 48'
    Sergio Torrens Ru ball.svg 61'
    Ryan Nell Ru ball.svg 79'
    Con: Theuns Kotzé Rugby penalty.svg 80' (1/3)
    Pen: Nico Scheepers Rugby penalty.svg 14' (1/2)
    Drop: Adriaan Carelse (0/1)
    Cards: Marnus Hugo Yellow card.svg 9' to 20'    		Report
    Scoreboard [25]     		Try: Odwa Ndungane Ru ball.svg 10'
    Inny Radebe Ru ball.svg 16'
    André Esterhuizen Ru ball.svg 28'
    Chiliboy Ralepelle Ru ball.svg 37'
    Hanco Venter Ru ball.svg 65'
    Franco Marais Ru ball.svg 78'
    Con: Curwin Bosch Rugby penalty.svg 11', 17', 38' (3/4)
    Garth April Rugby penalty.svg 65' (1/2)
    Pen: Curwin Bosch Rugby penalty.svg 23' (1/1)    		Attendance: 1,000
    Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
    19 August 2016 Western Province 25–32 Free State Cheetahs Newlands Stadium, Cape Town  
    17:10Try: Huw Jones Ru ball.svg 10'
    Kobus van Wyk Ru ball.svg 27'
    Leolin Zas Ru ball.svg 65'
    Con: Brandon Thomson Rugby penalty.svg 11' (1/2)
    Robert du Preez Rugby penalty.svg 65' (1/1)
    Pen: Brandon Thomson Rugby penalty.svg 6', 33' (2/2)    		Report [26]
    Scoreboard [27]     		Try: Nico Lee Ru ball.svg 21'
    Tian Meyer Ru ball.svg 43'
    Con: Fred Zeilinga Rugby penalty.svg 22', 44' (2/2)
    Pen: Fred Zeilinga Rugby penalty.svg 14', 17', 56', 60', 72', 79' (6/6)    		Attendance: 6,533
    Referee: Craig Joubert
    19 August 2016 Blue Bulls 49–35 Eastern Province Kings Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria  
    19:20Try: Tian Schoeman Ru ball.svg 12'
    Jamba Ulengo Ru ball.svg 19', 64'
    Jannes Kirsten Ru ball.svg 28'
    Bjorn Basson Ru ball.svg 32'
    Burger Odendaal Ru ball.svg 59'
    Joshua Stander Ru ball.svg 70'
    Con: Tian Schoeman Rugby penalty.svg 13', 20', 29', 33', 60', 65', 71' (7/7)
    Cards: RG Snyman Yellow card.svg 32'    		Report [28]
    Scoreboard [29]     		Try: Mike Willemse Ru ball.svg 1'
    Berton Klaasen Ru ball.svg 5'
    Johann Tromp Ru ball.svg 39'
    Siviwe Soyizwapi Ru ball.svg 54'
    Martin Bezuidenhout Ru ball.svg 67'
    Con: Kobus Marais Rugby penalty.svg 2', 6' (2/4)
    Lungelo Gosa (0/1)
    Pen: Kobus Marais Rugby penalty.svg 24', 32' (2/2)    		Attendance: 2,800
    Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
    20 August 2016 Griquas 30–24 Golden Lions Griqua Park, Kimberley  
    14:10Try: AJ Coertzen Ru ball.svg 21'
    Stephan Kotzé Ru ball.svg 30'
    Rudi van Rooyen Ru ball.svg 50'
    Con: Clinton Swart Rugby penalty.svg 22', 31', 50' (3/3)
    Pen: Clinton Swart Rugby penalty.svg 16', 25' (2/3)
    André Swarts Rugby penalty.svg 68' (1/1)    		Report [30]
    Scoreboard [31]     		Try: Akker van der Merwe Ru ball.svg 1'
    Howard Mnisi Ru ball.svg 34'
    Cyle Brink Ru ball.svg 41'
    Corné Fourie Ru ball.svg 74'
    Con: Jaco van der Walt Rugby penalty.svg 2' (1/2)
    Marnitz Boshoff Rugby penalty.svg 42' (1/2)
    Pen: Marnitz Boshoff (0/1)
    Cards: Jaco van der Walt Yellow card.svg 38' to 48'    		Attendance: 2,000
    Referee: Quinton Immelman
    Bye/s: Pumas

    Round four

    The Sharks extended their lead at the top of the Currie Cup log to four points after securing a 26–19 victory over the Blue Bulls, with fullback Curwin Bosch getting a "full house" – scoring points through all four methods (try, conversion, penalty and drop goal) – for a personal points tally of 21 points. The Free State Cheetahs remained in second position on the log despite having a bye, while the Golden Lions moved ahead of the Blue Bulls following a 60–12 victory over the Boland Cavaliers in Johannesburg, with Selom Gavor scoring two of the Lions' nine tries and fly-half Marnitz Boshoff kicking 15 points. Griquas maintained their play-off push with a 41–35 victory over the Pumas in Nelspruit, with both teams scoring four tries. Griquas centre Clinton Swart matched Bosch's 21 points in the match, eclipsing Pumas fly-half Francois Brummer's 15 points, while Rudi van Rooyen scored two tries for the visitors. In the other match of the round, Western Province moved up to sixth place after beating bottom side Eastern Province Kings 36–6, with Huw Jones getting a hat-trick of tries for the team from Cape Town. [32]

    26 August 2016 Golden Lions 60–12 Boland Cavaliers Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg  
    17:00Try: Selom Gavor Ru ball.svg 5', 54'
    Anthony Volmink Ru ball.svg 13'
    Dillon Smit Ru ball.svg 30'
    Jacques Nel Ru ball.svg 40'
    Victor Sekekete Ru ball.svg 45'
    Howard Mnisi Ru ball.svg 64'
    JW Bell Ru ball.svg 76'
    Dylan Smith Ru ball.svg 80'
    Con: Marnitz Boshoff Rugby penalty.svg 6', 31', 46', 55', 65', 81' (6/9)
    Pen: Marnitz Boshoff Rugby penalty.svg 24' (1/1)
    Cards: Bobby de Wee Yellow card.svg 71'    		Report [33]
    Scoreboard [34]     		Try: Joubert Horn Ru ball.svg 27'
    Wayne Wilschut Ru ball.svg 36'
    Con: Theuns Kotzé Rugby penalty.svg 27' (1/2)
    Cards: Clemen Lewis Yellow card.svg 72'    		Attendance: 1,000
    Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
    26 August 2016 Pumas 35–41 Griquas Mbombela Stadium, Mbombela  
    19:10Try: JP Lewis Ru ball.svg 10'
    Jannie Stander Ru ball.svg 24'
    Marnus Schoeman Ru ball.svg 51'
    Frank Herne Ru ball.svg 56'
    Con: Francois Brummer Rugby penalty.svg 25', 51', 57' (3/4)
    Pen: Francois Brummer Rugby penalty.svg 4', 19', 77' (3/3)
    Cards: Frank Herne Yellow card.svg 28' to 39'    		Report [35]
    Scoreboard [36]     		Try: Rudi van Rooyen Ru ball.svg 12', 40'
    Alshaun Bock Ru ball.svg 42'
    Wendal Wehr Ru ball.svg 73'
    Con: Clinton Swart Rugby penalty.svg 13', 40', 43' (3/4)
    Pen: Clinton Swart Rugby penalty.svg 7', 28', 37', 68', 72' (5/5)
    Drop: Clinton Swart (0/1)    		Referee: Stuart Berry
    27 August 2016 Eastern Province Kings 6–36 Western Province Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth  
    16:00Pen: Kobus Marais Rugby penalty.svg 3', 32' (2/2)
    Cards: Christiaan de Bruin Yellow card.svg 23' to 33'
    Etienne Oosthuizen Yellow card.svg 39'    		Report [37]
    Scoreboard [38]     		Try: Leolin Zas Ru ball.svg 11'
    Huw Jones Ru ball.svg 18', 72', 75'
    Sikhumbuzo Notshe Ru ball.svg 40'
    Jano Vermaak Ru ball.svg 58'
    Con: Brandon Thomson Rugby penalty.svg 12', 59', 76' (3/6)    		Referee: Pro Legoete
    27 August 2016 Sharks 26–19 Blue Bulls Kings Park Stadium, Durban  
    18:10Try: Ruan Botha Ru ball.svg 38'
    Curwin Bosch Ru ball.svg 55'
    Con: Curwin Bosch Rugby penalty.svg 39', 56' (2/2)
    Pen: Curwin Bosch Rugby penalty.svg 21', 29', 77' (3/5)
    Drop: Curwin Bosch Rugby penalty.svg 40' (1/1)    		Report [39]
    Scoreboard [40]     		Try: Jamba Ulengo Ru ball.svg 9'
    Con: Tian Schoeman Rugby penalty.svg 10' (1/1)
    Pen: Tian Schoeman Rugby penalty.svg 25', 50', 63', 67' (4/4)
    Cards: Ruan Steenkamp Yellow card.svg 33' to 43'    		Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
    Bye/s: Free State Cheetahs

    Round One (rescheduled)

    A midweek match saw Griquas secure their third consecutive victory in the competition to move into third position on the log, while cementing the Eastern Province Kings' last place. Griquas also picked up a bonus point by virtue of scoring seven tries, with fullback AJ Coertzen getting two.

    31 August 2016 [lower-alpha 1] Griquas 47–24 Eastern Province Kings Griqua Park, Kimberley  
    17:00Try: Wandile Putuma Ru ball.svg 17'
    Jono Janse van Rensburg Ru ball.svg 29'
    Ederies Arendse Ru ball.svg 46'
    Alshaun Bock Ru ball.svg 49'
    AJ Coertzen Ru ball.svg 52', 68'
    Eric Zana Ru ball.svg 74'
    Con: Clinton Swart Rugby penalty.svg 18', 30', 47', 50', 53' (5/5)
    André Swarts Rugby penalty.svg 75' (1/2)    		Report [41]
    Scoreboard [42]     		Try: Alcino Izaacs Ru ball.svg 21', 38'
    Cullen Collopy Ru ball.svg 79'
    Con: Lungelo Gosa Rugby penalty.svg 22', 39' (2/2)
    Pieter-Steyn de Wet Rugby penalty.svg 80' (1/1)
    Pen: Lungelo Gosa Rugby penalty.svg 36' (1/1)
    Cards: Siviwe Soyizwapi Yellow card.svg 73'    		Attendance: 1,200
    Referee: AJ Jacobs

    Round Five

    Despite suffering their first defeat of the season to Western Province, a bonus point in a 27–34 defeat saw the Sharks maintain top spot in the competition. Curwin Bosch was again the Sharks' main points contributor with 18 points through five penalties and converting one of the Sharks' two tries, but Western Province secured the victory after scoring five tries, with outside centre EW Viljoen scoring two in his first start of the season. The Free State Cheetahs made it four wins out of four with a 57–25 win over a Eastern Province Kings team that played their third match in a week, to move to within a single log point of the Sharks, with Nico Lee, Charles Marais and Paul Schoeman each scoring two of the Cheetahs' nine tries. The Blue Bulls moved into the top four with a 31–17 victory over Gauteng rivals the Golden Lions, with the help of 16 points from the boot of Tian Schoeman, pushing Griquas into fourth position and the Lions out of the play-off spots into fifth. In the other match of the round, the Boland Cavaliers secured a narrow 25–22 win over the Pumas in Wellington to secure their second victory of the season, with the Pumas remaining winless. [43]

    2 September 2016 Boland Cavaliers 25–22 Pumas Boland Stadium, Wellington  
    15:00Try: Adriaan Carelse Ru ball.svg 20'
    Shaun Adendorff Ru ball.svg 63'
    Robbie Louw Ru ball.svg 72'
    Con: Theuns Kotzé Rugby penalty.svg 21', 73' (2/3)
    Pen: Theuns Kotzé Rugby penalty.svg 12' (1/1)
    Drop: Theuns Kotzé Rugby penalty.svg 40' (1/1)
    Cards: Shaun Adendorff Yellow card.svg 17' to 27'
    Clemen Lewis Yellow card.svg 90'    		Report [44]
    Scoreboard [45]     		Try: Frank Herne Ru ball.svg 8'
    Renaldo Bothma Ru ball.svg 48'
    Leighton van Wyk Ru ball.svg 55'
    Kevin Luiters Ru ball.svg 78'
    Con: Francois Brummer Rugby penalty.svg 56' (1/3)
    Devon Williams (0/1)
    Cards: Tyler Fisher Red card.svg 27'    		Attendance: 1,000
    Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
    2 September 2016 Blue Bulls 31–17 Golden Lions Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria  
    19:00Try: Travis Ismaiel Ru ball.svg 31'
    Marvin Orie Ru ball.svg 45'
    Joshua Stander Ru ball.svg 73'
    Con: Tian Schoeman Rugby penalty.svg 32', 74' (2/3)
    Pen: Tian Schoeman Rugby penalty.svg 2', 15', 24', 64' (4/4)    		Report [46]
    Scoreboard [47]     		Try: Howard Mnisi Ru ball.svg 25'
    Kwagga Smith Ru ball.svg 60'
    Con: Marnitz Boshoff Rugby penalty.svg 26', 61' (2/2)
    Pen: Marnitz Boshoff Rugby penalty.svg 19' (1/2)    		Attendance: 7,896
    Referee: Craig Joubert
    3 September 2016 Free State Cheetahs 57–25 Eastern Province Kings Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein  
    15:00Try: Nico Lee Ru ball.svg 20', 71'
    Tom Botha Ru ball.svg 26'
    Paul Schoeman Ru ball.svg 32', 53'
    Charles Marais Ru ball.svg 59', 78'
    Niel Marais Ru ball.svg 68'
    Ox Nché Ru ball.svg 75'
    Con: Fred Zeilinga Rugby penalty.svg 27' (1/4)
    Niel Marais Rugby penalty.svg 72', 75' (2/5)
    Pen: Fred Zeilinga Rugby penalty.svg 14', 18' (2/3)    		Report [48]
    Scoreboard [49]     		Try: JC Greyling Ru ball.svg 11'
    Berton Klaasen Ru ball.svg 76'
    Vince Jobo Ru ball.svg 82'
    Con: Pieter-Steyn de Wet Rugby penalty.svg 12' (1/1)
    Kobus Marais Rugby penalty.svg 83' (1/2)
    Pen: Pieter-Steyn de Wet Rugby penalty.svg 31' (1/1)
    Drop: Pieter-Steyn de Wet Rugby penalty.svg 58' (1/1)    		Attendance: 3,710
    Referee: Jaco van Heerden
    3 September 2016 Western Province 34–27 Sharks Newlands Stadium, Cape Town  
    17:10Try: Johnny Kôtze Ru ball.svg 3'
    Werner Kok Ru ball.svg 10'
    EW Viljoen Ru ball.svg 44', 67'
    Kobus van Dyk Ru ball.svg 57'
    Con: Robert du Preez Rugby penalty.svg 4', 11', 67' (3/5)
    Pen: Robert du Preez Rugby penalty.svg 17' (1/2)    		Report [50]
    Scoreboard [51]     		Try: Jean-Luc du Preez Ru ball.svg 26'
    Rhyno Smith Ru ball.svg 69'
    Con: Curwin Bosch Rugby penalty.svg 70' (1/2)
    Pen: Curwin Bosch Rugby penalty.svg 6', 14', 23', 36', 38' (5/5)
    Drop: Curwin Bosch (0/1)
    Cards: Jean-Luc du Preez Yellow card.svg 46' to 56'    		Attendance: 14,751
    Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
    Bye/s: Griquas

    Round Six

    The Free State Cheetahs moved into top spot on the log after beating the Sharks 38–30 in a top-of-the-log clash in Durban. They scored five tries, with Fred Zeilinga successfully converting them all, while 20 points from the boot of Curwin Bosch was not enough for the Sharks, who dropped to second place. The Blue Bulls secured their fourth win of the season to remain in third place, scoring six tries in a 41–14 win over the Pumas in Nelspruit, with winger Jamba Ulengo scoring a brace. Griquas remained in the final semi-final spot after securing a fourth consecutive victory, with 21 points from Clinton Swart and a brace of tries by Elgar Watts helping the team to a 46–22 victory over the Boland Cavaliers. The Golden Lions remained two points behind Griquas after beating Western Province 58–32 in the most high-scoring match of the round. They scored eight tries (with Kwagga Smith scoring two) and Jaco van der Walt kicked 18 points, while Jacques Vermeulen scored two tries for Western Province. [52]

    8 September 2016 Griquas 46–22 Boland Cavaliers Griqua Park, Kimberley  
    19:00Try: AJ Coertzen Ru ball.svg 12'
    Ederies Arendse Ru ball.svg 24'
    Elgar Watts Ru ball.svg 30', 59'
    Clinton Swart Ru ball.svg 46'
    Wendal Wehr Ru ball.svg 62'
    Con: Clinton Swart Rugby penalty.svg 25', 31', 47', 60', 63' (5/6)
    Pen: Clinton Swart Rugby penalty.svg 4', 16' (2/3)    		Report [53]
    Scoreboard [54]     		Try: Clemen Lewis Ru ball.svg 51'
    Craig Pheiffer Ru ball.svg 69'
    Adriaan Carelse Ru ball.svg 73'
    Con: Theuns Kotzé Rugby penalty.svg 52' (1/1)
    Adriaan Carelse Rugby penalty.svg 74' (1/2)
    Pen: Theuns Kotzé Rugby penalty.svg 22' (1/2)
    Cards: Shaun Adendorff Yellow card.svg 29' to 39'    		Attendance: 2,000
    Referee: Jaco van Heerden
    9 September 2016 Golden Lions 58–32 Western Province Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg  
    19:00Try: Jacques Nel Ru ball.svg 1'
    Robbie Coetzee Ru ball.svg 15'
    Andries Coetzee Ru ball.svg 18'
    JP du Preez Ru ball.svg 37'
    Rohan Janse van Rensburg Ru ball.svg 40'
    Anthony Volmink Ru ball.svg 46'
    Kwagga Smith Ru ball.svg 57', 74'
    Con: Jaco van der Walt Rugby penalty.svg 19', 38', 40', 47', 58', 75' (6/8)
    Pen: Jaco van der Walt Rugby penalty.svg 13', 22' (2/2)    		Report [55]
    Scoreboard [56]     		Try: Leolin Zas Ru ball.svg 33'
    Jacques Vermeulen Ru ball.svg 63', 80'
    Dewaldt Duvenage Ru ball.svg 71'
    Con: Robert du Preez Rugby penalty.svg 34', 63', 72' (3/4)
    Pen: Robert du Preez Rugby penalty.svg 6', 11' (2/2)    		Attendance: 4,000
    Referee: Jaco Peyper
    10 September 2016 Sharks 30–38 Free State Cheetahs Kings Park Stadium, Durban  
    17:00Try: Francois Kleinhans Ru ball.svg 59'
    Thomas du Toit Ru ball.svg 69'
    Con: Curwin Bosch Rugby penalty.svg 60' (1/2)
    Pen: Curwin Bosch Rugby penalty.svg 4', 13', 20', 40', 43', 52' (6/7)
    Cards: Jean-Luc du Preez Yellow card.svg 52' to 64'    		Report [57]
    Scoreboard [58]     		Try: penalty try Ru ball.svg 11'
    Michael van der Spuy Ru ball.svg 28'
    Tian Meyer Ru ball.svg 47'
    Uzair Cassiem Ru ball.svg 52'
    Shaun Venter Ru ball.svg 62'
    Con: Fred Zeilinga Rugby penalty.svg 12', 29', 48', 53', 63' (5/5)
    Pen: Fred Zeilinga Rugby penalty.svg 37' (1/3)    		Attendance: 10,565
    Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
    10 September 2016 Pumas 14–41 Blue Bulls Mbombela Stadium, Mbombela  
    19:10Try: Ruwellyn Isbell Ru ball.svg 70'
    Con: Francois Brummer (0/1)
    Pen: Francois Brummer Rugby penalty.svg 11', 25', 33' (3/4)
    Cards: Leighton van Wyk Yellow card.svg 59' to 69'    		Report [59]
    Scoreboard [60]     		Try: Ulrich Beyers Ru ball.svg 7'
    Travis Ismaiel Ru ball.svg 35'
    Nick de Jager Ru ball.svg 39'
    Hanro Liebenberg Ru ball.svg 44'
    Jamba Ulengo Ru ball.svg 50', 66'
    Con: Tian Schoeman Rugby penalty.svg 8', 36', 40' (3/5)
    Joshua Stander Rugby penalty.svg 67' (1/1)
    Pen: Tian Schoeman Rugby penalty.svg 21' (1/2)    		Attendance: 4,736
    Referee: Stuart Berry
    Bye/s: Eastern Province Kings

    Round Seven

    The Free State Cheetahs became the first team to secure a semi-final berth after winning their sixth consecutive match, beating the Golden Lions 37–29 in Bloemfontein. The Cheetahs had different try scorers for all five of their tries, while the Golden Lions relied on the boot of Jaco van der Walt, who kicked 16 of his side's points. After two consecutive defeats, the Sharks returned to winning ways, securing the first whitewash of the season after beating bottom side Eastern Province Kings 53–0, scoring nine tries in the match. The Blue Bulls remained level on log points with the Sharks after scoring a half-century of their own, beating Griquas 57–20 in Pretoria. Piet van Zyl scored two if his side's eight tries, while Tian Schoeman kicked 17 points. While Griquas remained in the final semi-final position despite the defeat, fifth-placed Western Province closed the gap by beating the Pumas 31–23 in Cape Town. [61]

    15 September 2016 Free State Cheetahs 37–29 Golden Lions Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein  
    19:00Try: Raymond Rhule Ru ball.svg 26'
    Reniel Hugo Ru ball.svg 37'
    Shaun Venter Ru ball.svg 52'
    Rayno Benjamin Ru ball.svg 54'
    Tian Meyer Ru ball.svg 79'
    Con: Niel Marais Rugby penalty.svg 38', 55', 80' (3/5)
    Pen: Niel Marais Rugby penalty.svg 16', 60' (2/3)
    Cards: Clayton Blommetjies Yellow card.svg 18' to 29'    		Report [62]
    Scoreboard [63]     		Try: Rohan Janse van Rensburg Ru ball.svg 32'
    Robbie Coetzee Ru ball.svg 35'
    Con: Jaco van der Walt Rugby penalty.svg 33', 36' (2/2)
    Pen: Jaco van der Walt Rugby penalty.svg 3', 7', 12', 66' (4/4)
    Andries Coetzee Rugby penalty.svg 23' (1/1)
    Cards: Jaco van der Walt Yellow card.svg 15' to 27'
    Fabian Booysen Yellow card.svg 49' to 59'    		Attendance: 6,312
    Referee: Jaco van Heerden
    16 September 2016 Blue Bulls 57–20 Griquas Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria  
    19:00Try: Nick de Jager Ru ball.svg 16'
    Jamba Ulengo Ru ball.svg 20'
    RG Snyman Ru ball.svg 26'
    Piet van Zyl Ru ball.svg 41', 59'
    Ulrich Beyers Ru ball.svg 54'
    penalty try Ru ball.svg 73'
    Bjorn Basson Ru ball.svg 81'
    Con: Tian Schoeman Rugby penalty.svg 17', 21', 27', 55', 60', 74', 82' (7/8)
    Pen: Tian Schoeman Rugby penalty.svg 39' (1/2)
    Cards: RG Snyman Yellow card.svg 46' to 58'    		Report [64]
    Scoreboard [5]     		Try: Alshaun Bock Ru ball.svg 6'
    Wandile Putuma Ru ball.svg 66'
    Con: Clinton Swart Rugby penalty.svg 7', 67' (2/2)
    Pen: Clinton Swart Rugby penalty.svg 11', 32' (2/3)
    Cards: Mzwanele Zito Yellow card.svg 38' to 48'    		Referee: Quinton Immelman
    17 September 2016 Sharks 53–0 Eastern Province Kings Kings Park Stadium, Durban  
    15:00Try: André Esterhuizen Ru ball.svg 4'
    Chiliboy Ralepelle Ru ball.svg 13'
    Jean-Luc du Preez Ru ball.svg 18'
    Inny Radebe Ru ball.svg 31'
    Michael Claassens Ru ball.svg 44'
    Francois Kleinhans Ru ball.svg 48'
    Etienne Oosthuizen Ru ball.svg 54'
    Wandile Mjekevu Ru ball.svg 60'
    Khaya Majola Ru ball.svg 80'
    Con: Curwin Bosch Rugby penalty.svg 14', 32' (2/5)
    Patrick Lambie Rugby penalty.svg 50', 81' (2/4)    		Report [65]
    Scoreboard [66]     		Attendance: 5,186
    Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni
    17 September 2016 Western Province 31–23 Pumas Newlands Stadium, Cape Town  
    17:10Try: Werner Kok Ru ball.svg 21'
    Huw Jones Ru ball.svg 56'
    Leolin Zas Ru ball.svg 68'
    Jan de Klerk Ru ball.svg 71'
    Con: Robert du Preez Rugby penalty.svg 22', 57', 69', 72' (4/4)
    Pen: Robert du Preez Rugby penalty.svg 18' (1/1)
    Cards: Stefan Willemse Yellow card.svg 51' to 61'    		Report [67]
    Scoreboard [68]     		Try: JP Lewis Ru ball.svg 58'
    Tyler Fisher Ru ball.svg 74'
    Renaldo Bothma Ru ball.svg 80'
    Con: Francois Brummer (0/1)
    Devon Williams Rugby penalty.svg 75' (1/2)
    Pen: Francois Brummer Rugby penalty.svg 34' (1/3)
    Drop: Francois Brummer Rugby penalty.svg 4' (1/1)
    Cards: De-Jay Terblanche Yellow card.svg 48' to 58'    		Referee: Alexandre Ruiz
    Bye/s: Boland Cavaliers

    Round Eight

    The Free State Cheetahs made it sevens wins in a row after a 52–10 victory over the Pumas in Nelspruit. Rayno Benjamin scored a hat-trick of tries in the match with Paul Schoeman getting a brace, as the Cheetahs ensured that they would top the log and have home advantage in the semifinal and possible final. A 48–26 victory by the Blue Bulls over the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington meant that they would join the Cheetahs in the play-offs. Hanro Liebenberg scored two of the Blue Bulls' seven tries in their final match of the regular season, while Theuns Kotzé also scored two tries for the home side. The biggest margin of victory came in the match between the Eastern Province Kings and the Golden Lions in Port Elizabeth, with the visitors winning 71–7. Golden Lions captain Kwagga Smith scored a hat-trick, with Howard Mnisi and Jacques Nel each contributing two of the Lions' eleven tries. Western Province also won their match against Griquas in Kimberley, meaning all four fixtures resulted in away wins. Six different try scorers and 22 points kicked by Robert du Preez saw Western Province move into the top four, behind a Sharks team that enjoyed a bye weekend, while Griquas dropped to sixth place despite picking up a bonus point for scoring four tries of their own. [69]

    23 September 2016 Boland Cavaliers 26–48 Blue Bulls Boland Stadium, Wellington  
    15:00Try: Theuns Kotzé Ru ball.svg 26', 55'
    Danwel Demas Ru ball.svg 32'
    Zandré Jordaan Ru ball.svg 54'
    Con: Theuns Kotzé Rugby penalty.svg 27', 55', 55' (3/3)
    Cards: Francois Hanekom Yellow card.svg 71'    		Report [70]
    Scoreboard [71]     		Try: Ulrich Beyers Ru ball.svg 8'
    Bjorn Basson Ru ball.svg 20'
    Tian Schoeman Ru ball.svg 50'
    Roelof Smit Ru ball.svg 63'
    Hanro Liebenberg Ru ball.svg 65', 72'
    Lizo Gqoboka Ru ball.svg 77'
    Con: Tian Schoeman Rugby penalty.svg 9', 51', 64', 73', 78' (5/7)
    Pen: Tian Schoeman Rugby penalty.svg 46' (1/1)    		Attendance: 4,280
    Referee: Shuhei Kubo
    23 September 2016 Pumas 10–52 Free State Cheetahs Mbombela Stadium, Mbombela  
    18:40Try: Frank Herne Ru ball.svg 71'
    Con: Heinrich Steyl Rugby penalty.svg 72' (1/1)
    Pen: Francois Brummer Rugby penalty.svg 21' (1/1)    		Report [72]
    Scoreboard [73]     		Try: Rayno Benjamin Ru ball.svg 7', 48', 58'
    Uzair Cassiem Ru ball.svg 24'
    Paul Schoeman Ru ball.svg 26', 37'
    Francois Venter Ru ball.svg 32'
    Elandré Huggett Ru ball.svg 77'
    Con: Niel Marais Rugby penalty.svg 8', 25', 38', 49', 59' (5/7)
    Fred Zeilinga Rugby penalty.svg 78' (1/1)    		Attendance: 2,083
    Referee: Pro Legoete
    23 September 2016 Griquas 31–52 Western Province Griqua Park, Kimberley  
    19:00Try: JW Jonker Ru ball.svg 10'
    Rudi van Rooyen Ru ball.svg 27'
    André Swarts Ru ball.svg 36'
    Jonathan Adendorf Ru ball.svg 76'
    Con: Clinton Swart Rugby penalty.svg 11', 28' (2/2)
    André Swarts Rugby penalty.svg 37', 76' (2/2)
    Pen: Clinton Swart (0/2)
    André Swarts Rugby penalty.svg 49' (1/2)
    Drop: AJ Coertzen (0/1)    		Report [74]
    Scoreboard [75]     		Try: Juan de Jongh Ru ball.svg 25'
    Bongi Mbonambi Ru ball.svg 33'
    Huw Jones Ru ball.svg 51'
    Werner Kok Ru ball.svg 53'
    Nizaam Carr Ru ball.svg 70'
    Leolin Zas Ru ball.svg 80'
    Con: Robert du Preez Rugby penalty.svg 26', 34', 54', 71', 81' (5/6)
    Pen: Robert du Preez Rugby penalty.svg 40', 46', 66', 79' (4/4)    		Attendance: 7,000
    Referee: Jaco Peyper
    24 September 2016 Eastern Province Kings 7–71 Golden Lions Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth  
    17:10Try: Sampie Mastriet Ru ball.svg 22'
    Con: Pieter-Steyn de Wet Rugby penalty.svg 23' (1/1)    		Report [76]
    Scoreboard [77]     		Try: Ruan Ackermann Ru ball.svg 18'
    Howard Mnisi Ru ball.svg 30', 69'
    Koch Marx Ru ball.svg 38'
    Kwagga Smith Ru ball.svg 40', 63', 66'
    Anthony Volmink Ru ball.svg 42'
    Jacques Nel Ru ball.svg 45', 80'
    Sylvian Mahuza Ru ball.svg 76'
    Con: Jaco van der Walt Rugby penalty.svg 19', 39', 40', 43', 64' (5/7)
    Andries Coetzee Rugby penalty.svg 70', 77', 81' (3/4)    		Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni
    Bye/s: Sharks

    Round Nine

    In the first match of the weekend, defending champions the Golden Lions secured a place in the semifinals after beating the Sharks 28–16 in Johannesburg. The result meant that the Sharks needed the Boland Cavaliers to get an unlikely victory against Western Province a few hours later. Boland ran in four tries to lead 28–20 with 8 minutes to go, but Western Province scored a converted try and a 78th–minute penalty through fly-half Robert du Preez to secure the final semi-final spot in dramatic fashion, winning the match 30–28. The final match on the Friday night saw the Pumas travel to the Eastern Province Kings for a match between the bottom two teams on the log, both without a win to their name prior to this match. The Pumas edged the match 38–30, with hooker Frank Herne scoring a hat-trick of tries in his team's only win of the season. The final group match in the competition was a dead rubber; top side Free State Cheetahs outscored Griquas by 9 tries to 4 to win 63–26; scrum-half Shaun Venter got a brace, while fly-half Niel Marais contributed 17 points through one try and 6 conversions. [78]

    30 September 2016 Golden Lions 28–16 Sharks Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg  
    17:05Try: Kwagga Smith Ru ball.svg 46'
    Howard Mnisi Ru ball.svg 58'
    Sylvian Mahuza Ru ball.svg 70'
    Con: Jaco van der Walt Rugby penalty.svg 47' (1/2)
    Andries Coetzee Rugby penalty.svg 71' (1/1)
    Pen: Jaco van der Walt Rugby penalty.svg 51' (1/3)
    Andries Coetzee Rugby penalty.svg 63', 77' (2/2)    		Report [79]
    Scoreboard [80]     		Try: Michael Claassens Ru ball.svg 21'
    Con: Curwin Bosch Rugby penalty.svg 22' (1/1)
    Pen: Curwin Bosch Rugby penalty.svg 11', 44', 53' (3/5)
    Cards: Francois Kleinhans Yellow card.svg 50' to 60'
    André Esterhuizen Yellow card.svg 76'    		Attendance: 13,201
    Referee: Craig Joubert
    30 September 2016 Eastern Province Kings 30–38 Pumas Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth  
    18:00Try: Johann Tromp Ru ball.svg 17'
    Brandon Brown Ru ball.svg 28'
    Ricky Schroeder Ru ball.svg 46'
    Con: Pieter-Steyn de Wet Rugby penalty.svg 18', 29', 47' (3/3)
    Pen: Pieter-Steyn de Wet Rugby penalty.svg 2', 8', 63' (3/3)
    Cards: Brandon Brown Yellow card.svg 38' to 48'
    Etienne Oosthuizen Yellow card.svg 70'    		Report [81]
    Scoreboard [82]     		Try: Brian Shabangu Ru ball.svg 11'
    Frank Herne Ru ball.svg 23', 38', 71'
    Kevin Luiters Ru ball.svg 58'
    JP Lewis Ru ball.svg 78'
    Con: Heinrich Steyl Rugby penalty.svg 24', 39' (2/3)
    Devon Williams Rugby penalty.svg 72', 79' (2/3)
    Cards: Carel Greeff Yellow card.svg 44' to 54'    		Attendance: 791
    Referee: Quinton Immelman
    30 September 2016 Western Province 30–28 Boland Cavaliers Newlands Stadium, Cape Town  
    19:10Try: Scott van Breda Ru ball.svg 23'
    Kobus van Dyk Ru ball.svg 36'
    David Ribbans Ru ball.svg 73'
    Con: Robert du Preez Rugby penalty.svg 24', 37', 73' (3/3)
    Pen: Robert du Preez Rugby penalty.svg 20', 55', 78' (3/3)    		Report [83]
    Scoreboard [84]     		Try: Shaun Adendorff Ru ball.svg 2'
    Adriaan Carelse Ru ball.svg 50'
    Francois Hanekom Ru ball.svg 63'
    Jacques Engelbrecht Ru ball.svg 65'
    Con: Theuns Kotzé Rugby penalty.svg 3', 51', 64', 66' (4/4)    		Attendance: 6,131
    Referee: AJ Jacobs
    1 October 2016 Free State Cheetahs 63–26 Griquas Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein  
    14:00Try: penalty try Ru ball.svg 14'
    Uzair Cassiem Ru ball.svg 15'
    Shaun Venter Ru ball.svg 17', 58'
    Henco Venter Ru ball.svg 31'
    Niel Marais Ru ball.svg 34'
    Nico Lee Ru ball.svg 39'
    Torsten van Jaarsveld Ru ball.svg 78'
    Raymond Rhule Ru ball.svg 80'
    Con: Niel Marais Rugby penalty.svg 14', 16', 18', 32', 35', 40' (6/6)
    Fred Zeilinga Rugby penalty.svg 59', 79', 81' (3/3)    		Report [85]
    Scoreboard [86]     		Try: Johnathan Francke Ru ball.svg 1'
    Renier Botha Ru ball.svg 25'
    André Swarts Ru ball.svg 45'
    Jason Fraser Ru ball.svg 76'
    Con: André Swarts Rugby penalty.svg 25', 46' (2/3)
    Eric Zana Rugby penalty.svg 77' (1/1)    		Attendance: 4,384
    Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni
    Bye/s: Blue Bulls

    Semi-finals

    The Free State Cheetahs maintained their unbeaten record in the season with an emphatic 55–17 victory over the Golden Lions. They scored six tries, with right winger Sergeal Petersen getting a hat-trick, while fly-half Niel Marais added 21 points, successfully kicking three conversions and five penalties in the match. Blue Bulls fly-half Tian Schoeman replicated Marais' kicking record in his side's 36–30 victory over Western Province in the second semi-final, which ended in dramatic fashion as the Blue Bulls scored a try in the 78th minute through replacement scrum-half Ivan van Zyl – in his first appearance of the season – to overturn Western Province's lead. These results meant that the Free State Cheetahs qualified for their first final since 2009, when they also met the Blue Bulls in the final, and their first home final since 2006, when the same two teams drew 28–all after extra time to share the title. [87]

    15 October 2016 Free State Cheetahs 55–17 Golden Lions Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein  
    15:00Try: Sergeal Petersen Ru ball.svg 15', 34', 76'
    Niell Jordaan Ru ball.svg 41'
    Rayno Benjamin Ru ball.svg 69'
    Clayton Blommetjies Ru ball.svg 72'
    Con: Niel Marais Rugby penalty.svg 16', 35', 42' (3/3)
    Fred Zeilinga Rugby penalty.svg 70', 73' (2/3)
    Pen: Niel Marais Rugby penalty.svg 6', 9', 24', 27', 54' (5/5)
    Cards: Rayno Benjamin Yellow card.svg 48' to 58'
    Paul Schoeman Yellow card.svg 61' to 71'    		Report [88]
    Scoreboard [89]     		Try: Sylvian Mahuza Ru ball.svg 49', 67'
    Ruaan Lerm Ru ball.svg 80'
    Con: Jaco van der Walt (0/1)
    Andries Coetzee Rugby penalty.svg 80' (1/2)
    Cards: Cyle Brink Yellow card.svg 26' to 38'    		Attendance: 23,192
    Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
    15 October 2016 Blue Bulls 36–30 Western Province Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria  
    18:00Try: Travis Ismaiel Ru ball.svg 10'
    Jason Jenkins Ru ball.svg 63'
    Ivan van Zyl Ru ball.svg 78'
    Con: Tian Schoeman Rugby penalty.svg 11', 64', 79' (3/3)
    Pen: Tian Schoeman Rugby penalty.svg 24', 33', 37', 47', 55' (5/5)
    Drop: Tian Schoeman (0/1)    		Report [90]
    Scoreboard [91]     		Try: Nizaam Carr Ru ball.svg 19'
    Werner Kok Ru ball.svg 49'
    Jan de Klerk Ru ball.svg 58'
    Con: Robert du Preez Rugby penalty.svg 20', 50', 59' (3/3)
    Pen: Robert du Preez Rugby penalty.svg 40', 41', 73' (3/3)    		Attendance: 17,968
    Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen

    Final

    The Free State Cheetahs beat the Blue Bulls 36–16 to win the Currie Cup for the fifth time in their history and for the first time since 2007. The first half delivered no tries, with Free State Cheetahs fly-half Niel Marais kicking six penalties against Blue Bulls fly-half Tian Schoeman's three penalties for an 18–9 half-time lead. A converted Clayton Blommetjies try and two more penalties extended the Free State Cheetahs' lead to 31–9 by the 67th minute. A Piet van Zyl try in the 74th minute briefly gave the Blue Bulls some hope, but the Free State Cheetahs responded with a try of their own through Sergeal Petersen just two minutes later to put the result beyond any doubt. Niel Marais contributed 21 points for the home side by kicking seven penalties; a new Currie Cup final record, surpassing the six penalties scored by Thierry Lacroix in the 1995 final and by Patrick Lambie in the 2012 final. [92]

    22 October 2016 Free State Cheetahs 36–16 Blue Bulls Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein  
    16:00Try: Clayton Blommetjies Ru ball.svg 63'
    Sergeal Petersen Ru ball.svg 76'
    Con: Fred Zeilinga Rugby penalty.svg 64' (1/2)
    Pen: Niel Marais Rugby penalty.svg 4', 9', 12', 18', 26', 40', 53' (7/8)
    Fred Zeilinga Rugby penalty.svg 67' (1/1)    		Report [92]
    Scoreboard [93]     		Try: Piet van Zyl Ru ball.svg 74'
    Con: Joshua Stander Rugby penalty.svg 75' (1/1)
    Pen: Tian Schoeman Rugby penalty.svg 6', 13', 35' (3/3)
    Cards: Jamba Ulengo Yellow card.svg 8' to 18'    		Attendance: 43,400
    Referee: Jaco Peyper

    Honours

    The honour roll for the 2016 Currie Cup Premier Division was:

    2016 Currie Cup Premier Division Honours
    Champions: Free State Cheetahs (5th title)
    Top Try Scorers: Frank Herne, Pumas
    Huw Jones, Western Province
    Howard Mnisi, Golden Lions
    Kwagga Smith, Golden Lions and
    Jamba Ulengo, Blue Bulls (11)
    Top Points Scorer: Tian Schoeman, Blue Bulls (146)

    Players

    Squads

    The following squads were named for the 2016 Currie Cup Premier Division:

    Blue Bulls squad [94]
    Forwards Jacobie Adriaanse  • Arno Botha  • Nick de Jager  • Martin Dreyer  • Lizo Gqoboka  • Irné Herbst  • Jason Jenkins  • John-Roy Jenkinson  • Jannes Kirsten  • Hanro Liebenberg  • Bandise Maku  • Edgar Marutlulle  • Nqoba Mxoli  • Marvin Orie  • Pierre Schoeman  • Roelof Smit  • Eli Snyman  • RG Snyman  • Ruan Steenkamp  • Entienne Swanepoel  • Jaco Visagie  •Did not play: • Andrew Beerwinkel  • Clyde Davids  • Corniel Els  • Aston Fortuin  • Neethling Fouché  • Njabulo Gumede • Freddy Ngoza  • Abongile Nonkontwana  • Trevor Nyakane  • Adriaan Strauss  • Tapiwa Tsomondo • Jan van der Merwe  • Ruben van Heerden
    Backs Bjorn Basson  • Ulrich Beyers  • Travis Ismaiel  • Tony Jantjies  • Dan Kriel  • Duncan Matthews  • Burger Odendaal  • Rudy Paige  • Divan Rossouw  • Tian Schoeman  • Joshua Stander  • Jade Stighling  • Dries Swanepoel  • Jamba Ulengo  • Ivan van Zyl  • Piet van Zyl  • André Warner  •Did not play: • Alcino Izaacs  • JT Jackson  • Jesse Kriel  • Manie Libbok  • Kefentse Mahlo  • Kobus Marais  • Ganfried May  • Franco Naudé  • Luther Obi  • Marquit September • Jan Serfontein
    Coach Nollis Marais
    Boland Cavaliers squad [95]
    Forwards Shaun Adendorff  • Kenan Cronjé  • Jacques Engelbrecht  • Francois Esterhuyzen  • Francois Hanekom  • Joubert Horn  • Zandré Jordaan  • Hanno Kitshoff  • Clemen Lewis  • Shaun McDonald  • Enoch Mnyaka  • Basil Short  • Linda Thwala • Ockie van Zyl • Chadley Wenn • SP Wessels  • Chaney Willemse • Wayne Wilschut •Did not play: • Yves Bashiya  • Gareth Cilliers • JC Genade • Ferdie Horn • Ludio Williams
    Backs Logan Basson  • Christopher Bosch  • Adriaan Carelse  • Jovelian de Koker  • Danwel Demas  • Marnus Hugo  • Gerhard Jordaan • Theuns Kotzé  • Robbie Louw  • Ryan Nell  • Craig Pheiffer • Nico Scheepers  • Sergio Torrens  • Gerrit van Wyk • William van Wyk • PJ Vermeulen  •Did not play: • Edwin Sass
    Coach Brent Janse van Rensburg
    Eastern Province Kings squad [96]
    Forwards David Antonites  • Martin Bezuidenhout  • Brandon Brown  • Cullen Collopy  • Christiaan de Bruin  • Schalk Ferreira  • Sebastian Ferreira  • Justin Forwood  • Tazz Fuzani  • Dirk Grobbelaar  • Hannes Huisamen  • Vince Jobo  • Caylib Oosthuizen  • Etienne Oosthuizen  • Dylan Pieterse  • Barend Potgieter  • Vukile Sofisa • Pieter Stemmet  • Luke van der Smit  • Warrick Venter • Mike Willemse  •Did not play: • Dolph Botha
    Backs Pieter-Steyn de Wet  • Jacques Fick  • Lungelo Gosa  • JC Greyling  • Alcino Izaacs  • Berton Klaasen  • Kobus Marais  • Sampie Mastriet  • Ganfried May  • Sphu Msutwana  • Minenhle Mthethwa  • Waylon Murray  • Ricky Schroeder  • Siviwe Soyizwapi  • Johann Tromp  • Vian van der Watt
    Coach Barend Pieterse
    Free State Cheetahs squad [97]
    Forwards Justin Basson  • Tom Botha  • Tienie Burger  • Uzair Cassiem  • Aranos Coetzee  • Jacques du Toit  • Joseph Dweba  • Elandré Huggett  • Reniel Hugo  • Niell Jordaan  • Armandt Koster  • Charles Marais  • Ox Nché  • Paul Schoeman  • Boela Serfontein  • Torsten van Jaarsveld  • Conraad van Vuuren  • Henco Venter  • Carl Wegner  •Did not play: • Luan de Bruin  • Danie Mienie  • Oupa Mohojé  • Gerhard Olivier  • Boom Prinsloo  • Neil Rautenbach  • BG Uys  • Dennis Visser
    Backs Rayno Benjamin  • Clayton Blommetjies  • Maphutha Dolo  • Sias Ebersohn  • Nico Lee  • Niel Marais  • Tian Meyer  • Zee Mkhabela  • Sergeal Petersen  • Raymond Rhule  • William Small-Smith  • Michael van der Spuy  • Francois Venter  • Shaun Venter  • Fred Zeilinga  •Did not play: • Reinhardt Erwee  • Tertius Kruger  • Mosolwa Mafuma  • JP Smith  • Ruan van Rensburg
    Coach Franco Smith
    Golden Lions squad [98]
    Forwards Justin Ackerman  • Ruan Ackermann  • Fabian Booysen  • Cyle Brink  • Robbie Coetzee  • Bobby de Wee  • Stephan de Wit  • Ruan Dreyer  • JP du Preez  • Lourens Erasmus  • Andries Ferreira  • Corné Fourie  • Ruaan Lerm  • MB Lusaseni  • Malcolm Marx  • Martin Muller  • Julian Redelinghuys  • Ramone Samuels  • Pieter Scholtz  • Victor Sekekete  • Dylan Smith  • Kwagga Smith  • Akker van der Merwe  • Jacques van Rooyen
    Backs JW Bell  • Marnitz Boshoff  • Andries Coetzee  • Ross Cronjé  • Ashlon Davids  • Faf de Klerk  • Selom Gavor • Stokkies Hanekom  • Rohan Janse van Rensburg  • Sylvian Mahuza  • Koch Marx  • Howard Mnisi  • Jacques Nel  • Courtnall Skosan  • Dillon Smit  • Jaco van der Walt  • Anthony Volmink
    Coach Johan Ackermann
    Griquas squad [99]
    Forwards Jonathan Adendorf  • Marius Fourie  • Jason Fraser  • Liam Hendricks  • Jono Janse van Rensburg  • Sias Koen  • Stephan Kotzé  • AJ le Roux  • RJ Liebenberg  • Hilton Lobberts  • Thabo Mabuza  • Devon Martinus  • Steven Meiring  • Chase Morison  • Wandile Putuma  • Steph Roberts  • Sidney Tobias  • Steph Vermeulen  • Wendal Wehr  • Mzwanele Zito
    Backs Ederies Arendse  • Alshaun Bock  • Renier Botha  • AJ Coertzen  • Ntabeni Dukisa  • Johnathan Francke  • JW Jonker  • Steven Moir  • Clinton Swart  • André Swarts  • Rudi van Rooyen  • Elgar Watts  • Eric Zana  •Did not play: • Tiaan Dorfling
    Coach Peter Engledow
    Pumas squad [100]
    Forwards Louis Albertse  • Renaldo Bothma  • Marné Coetzee  • François du Toit  • Carel Greeff  • Stephan Greeff  • Lambert Groenewald  • Wiehan Hay  • Frank Herne  • Reuben Johannes  • Jeremy Jordaan  • Hugo Kloppers  • Jacques Kotzé  • Khwezi Mona  • Dylan Peterson  • Marnus Schoeman  • Brian Shabangu  • Jannie Stander  • De-Jay Terblanche  • Nardus van der Walt  • Simon Westraadt  •Did not play: • Rassie Jansen van Vuuren  • Sabelo Nhlapo
    Backs Bernado Botha  • Francois Brummer  • Tyler Fisher  • Deon Helberg  • Ruwellyn Isbell  • JP Lewis  • Kevin Luiters  • Hoffmann Maritz  • Marcello Sampson  • Hennie Skorbinski  • Heinrich Steyl  • Emile Temperman  • Marlou van Niekerk  • Reynier van Rooyen  • Justin van Staden  • Leighton van Wyk • Devon Williams  •Did not play: • Johan Herbst  • Wilmaure Louw
    Coach MJ Mentz
    Sharks squad [101]
    Forwards Lourens Adriaanse  • JC Astle  • Ruan Botha  • Dale Chadwick  • Keegan Daniel  • Jean Deysel  • Jean Droste  • Jean-Luc du Preez  • Thomas du Toit  • Francois Kleinhans  • Stephan Lewies  • Khaya Majola  • Franco Marais  • John-Hubert Meyer  • Tera Mtembu  • Etienne Oosthuizen  • Chiliboy Ralepelle  • Juan Schoeman  • Philip van der Walt  •Did not play: • Hyron Andrews  • Stephan Coetzee  • Dan du Preez  • Johan du Toit  • Tendai Mtawarira  • Coenie Oosthuizen
    Backs Lukhanyo Am  • Garth April  • Curwin Bosch  • Michael Claassens  • André Esterhuizen  • Patrick Lambie  • Neil Maritz  • Wandile Mjekevu  • Lwazi Mvovo  • Odwa Ndungane  • Inny Radebe  • S'bura Sithole  • Rhyno Smith  • Stefan Ungerer  • Hanco Venter  • Heimar Williams  •Did not play: • Benhard Janse van Rensburg  • Morné Joubert  • Marius Louw  • S'busiso Nkosi  • Cobus Reinach
    Coach Robert du Preez
    Western Province squad [102]
    Forwards Eital Bredenkamp  • Nizaam Carr  • Jan de Klerk  • Rynhardt Elstadt  • Martin Ferreira  • JC Janse van Rensburg  • Oli Kebble  • Wilco Louw  • Bongi Mbonambi  • Sikhumbuzo Notshe  • Scarra Ntubeni  • Neil Rautenbach  • David Ribbans  • JD Schickerling  • Sti Sithole  • JP Smith  • Chad Solomon  • Kobus van Dyk  • Jurie van Vuuren  • Chris van Zyl  • Alistair Vermaak  • Jacques Vermeulen  • Mike Willemse  • Stefan Willemse  •Did not play: • Beyers de Villiers  • Janco Venter
    Backs Damian de Allende  • Juan de Jongh  • Daniël du Plessis  • Robert du Preez  • Dewaldt Duvenage  • Huw Jones  • Werner Kok  • Cheslin Kolbe  • Johnny Kôtze  • Godlen Masimla  • Khanyo Ngcukana  • Jaco Taute  • Brandon Thomson  • Scott van Breda  • Kobus van Wyk  • Jano Vermaak  • EW Viljoen  • Leolin Zas  •Did not play: • Justin Phillips
    Coach John Dobson

    Appearances and points

    For each team, (c) denotes the team captain. For each match, the player's squad number is shown. Starting players are numbered 1 to 15, while the replacements are numbered 16 to 22. If a replacement made an appearance in the match, it is indicated by Sub on.svg. "App" refers to the number of appearances made by the player, "Try" to the number of tries scored by the player, "Kck" to the number of points scored via kicks (conversions, penalties or drop goals) and "Pts" refer to the total number of points scored by the player.

    Points scorers

    The following table contain points scored in the 2016 Currie Cup Premier Division: [103]

    Top Ten point scorers
    NoPlayerTeamTCPDGPts
    1 Tian Schoeman Blue Bulls235220146
    2 Curwin Bosch Sharks119201106
    3 Niel Marais Free State Cheetahs22014092
    4 Fred Zeilinga Free State Cheetahs02414090
    5 Clinton Swart Griquas12312087
    6 Robert du Preez Western Province02214086
    7 Jaco van der Walt Golden Lions1217068
    8 Francois Brummer Pumas089146
    9 Theuns Kotzé Boland Cavaliers2122143
    10 Marnitz Boshoff Golden Lions1122035
    Frank Herne Pumas700035
    Huw Jones Western Province700035
    Howard Mnisi Golden Lions700035
    Kwagga Smith Golden Lions700035
    Jamba Ulengo Blue Bulls700035

    Discipline

    The following table contains all the cards handed out during the tournament: [104]

    Red cards or multiple yellow cards
    PlayerTeamRed card.svgYellow card.svg
    Tyler Fisher Pumas10
    Shaun Adendorff Boland Cavaliers02
    Jean-Luc du Preez Sharks02
    Clemen Lewis Boland Cavaliers02
    Etienne Oosthuizen Eastern Province Kings02
    RG Snyman Blue Bulls02
    Jaco van der Walt Golden Lions02

    Referees

    The following referees officiated matches in the 2016 Currie Cup Premier Division:

    2016 Currie Cup Premier Division referees
    Referees Stuart Berry  • Rodney Boneparte • Quinton Immelman  • AJ Jacobs  • Cwengile Jadezweni  • Craig Joubert  • Shuhei Kubo  • Pro Legoete  • Jaco Peyper  • Rasta Rasivhenge  • Alexandre Ruiz  • Marius van der Westhuizen  • Jaco van Heerden

    See also

    Notes

    1. 1 2 3 The Griquas v Eastern Province Kings from Round One was rescheduled between Rounds Four and Five. [6]

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