# 2008 Currie Cup Premier Division

The 2008 Currie Cup Premier Division season (known as the ABSA Currie Cup due to sponsorship) was contested from 20 June through to 25 October. The Currie Cup is an annual domestic competition for provincial rugby union teams in South Africa.
The 2007 Champions, the Free State Cheetahs, were denied a place in the final when they were defeated by the Blue Bulls in their semifinal clash in Pretoria on 11 October.
The Sharks ended a 12-year wait for a trophy by winning 14–9 in the final against the Blue Bulls in Durban on 25 October.

## Current standings

2008 Currie Cup Premier Division :
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | B | Pts | Qualification |
| Sharks | 14 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 450 | 243 | +207 | 57 | 29 | 9 | 57 | Semi-finals |
| Blue Bulls | 14 | 11 | 0 | 3 | 482 | 235 | +247 | 61 | 27 | 9 | 53 | Semi-finals |
| Free State Cheetahs | 14 | 9 | 0 | 5 | 389 | 265 | +124 | 49 | 26 | 6 | 42 | Semi-finals |
| Lions | 14 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 430 | 301 | +129 | 55 | 36 | 9 | 41 | Semi-finals |
| Western Province | 14 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 385 | 276 | +109 | 45 | 30 | 8 | 40 | |
| Griquas | 14 | 3 | 1 | 10 | 315 | 464 | −149 | 40 | 60 | 5 | 19 | |
| Boland Cavaliers | 14 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 253 | 528 | −275 | 33 | 73 | 4 | 14 | |
| Falcons | 14 | 2 | 0 | 12 | 293 | 685 | −392 | 38 | 97 | 6 | 14 | |

## Teams

* Boland Cavaliers
* Sharks
* Blue Bulls
* Free State Cheetahs
* Western Province
* Griquas
* Falcons
* Lions

## Currie Cup compulsory friendlies

* 6 June 2008
| SWD Eagles | 15–29 | Blue Bulls |
* Outeniqua Park, George

## Round 1

* 15:30 2008-06-20
| Griquas | 16–20 | Free State Cheetahs |
| Tries: Stephan Gerber, Con: Conrad Barnard Pen: Conrad Barnard (3) | | Tries: JW Jonker, Schalk Van der Merwe Con: Jacques-Louis Potgieter (2) Pen: Chris Rossouw (2) |
* ABSA Park, Kimberley Referee: JC Fortuin (South Africa)
* 19:00 2008-06-20
| Falcons | 42–48 | Boland Cavaliers |
| Tries: Luvo Sogidashe (2), Rouan Cloete, Gerrie Odendaal, Sean Plaatjies, Con: Riaan Smit (4) Pen: Riaan Smit (3) | | Tries: John Daniels (3), Justin Peach, Marnus Hugo, Conrad Burke (cpt) Con: Justin Peach (6) Pen: Justin Peach (2) |
* Bosman Stadium, Brakpan Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
* 19:10 2008-06-20
| Sharks | 28–25 | Western Province |
| Tries: Rory Kockott, Keegan Daniel Con: Pen: Rory Kockott (6) | | Tries: Wylie Human Con: Willem de Waal Pen: Willem de Waal (6) |
* ABSA Stadium, Durban Referee: Christie de Preez (South Africa)
* 15:00 2008-06-21
| Lions | 7–21 | Blue Bulls |
| Tries: Jano Vermaak Con: Earl Rose Pen: Card: Gerhard Mostert 40' to 50' | Report | Tries: John Mametsa (3) Con: Pen: Morné Steyn DG: JP Joubert |
* Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

### Round 1 summary

* The Free State Cheetahs started the defence of their title with a narrow 20–16 win over neighbours Griquas in Kimberley.
* Boland Cavaliers captain Conrad Burke scored a last minute intercept try to secure a 48–42 victory over the Falcons in their opening match at Bosman Stadium in Brakpan.
* Scrumhalf Rory Kockott landed a 79th-minute penalty from 40 meters out to secure a nail-biting 28–25 victory for Sharks over Western Province in Durban.
* John Mametsa celebrated his 100th game for the Blue Bulls by scoring a hat-trick to set up a 21–7 win for his team against the Lions in their opening encounter at Coca-Cola Park in Johannesburg.

## Round 2

* 19:00 2008-06-27
| Sharks | 38–13 | Boland Cavaliers |
| Tries: Jacques Botes (2) Riaan Swanepoel, Henno Mentz, Con: Monty Dumond (3) Pen: Rory Kockott (2), Monty Dumond (2) | | Tries: Lionel Cornelius Con: Justin Peach Pen: Justin Peach, Lionel Cornelius Card: Piet van Zyl 58' to 68', Angelo Brinkhuys 66' to 76', |
* ABSA Stadium, Durban Referee: JC Fortuin (South Africa)
* 15:00 2008-06-28
| Falcons | 36–30 | Griquas |
| Tries: Riaan Smit, Ernie Kruger, Len Olivier Con: Jacques Schutte (3) Pen: Jacques Schutte (5) | | Tries: Herkie Kruger (cpt), Steph Roberts, Stephan Gerber Con: Conrad Barnard (3) Pen: Conrad Barnard (3) |
* Bosman Stadium, Brakpan Referee: Pro Legoete (South Africa)
* 15:00 2008-06-28
| Free State Cheetahs | 22–18 | Lions |
| Tries: Chris Roussouw Con: Chris Roussouw Pen: Chris Roussouw (5) | | Tries: Con: Pen: Earl Rose (6) |
* Park, Bloemfontein Referee: Christie de Preez (South Africa)
* 17:05 2008-06-28
| Western Province | 26–17 | Blue Bulls |
| Tries: Gio Aplon, Gcobani Bobo Con: Willem de Waal (2) Pen: Willem de Waal (4) | report | Tries: JP Joubert, Pedrie Wannenburg Con: Morné Steyn (2) Pen: DG: Morné Steyn Card: Hilton Lobberts 68' to 78' |
* Newlands Stadium, Cape Town Referee: Phillip Bosch (South Africa)

### Round 2 summary

* Sharks scored their second win in as many matches, beating the Boland Cavaliers 38–13 in their match in Durban and go to the top of the standings.
* The Falcons secured their first Currie Cup victory in over a year by beating the Griquas 36–30 in Brakpan.
* With a much-improved performance from the Lions in their clash against the Free State Cheetahs. It was the home side that held their head to seal a close victory.
* Western Province produced a stirring fightback at the death of their clash against the Blue Bulls to record a 26–17 win over their traditional rivals at Newlands Stadium.

## Round 3

* 15:30 2008-07-04
| Boland Cavaliers | 9–9 | Griquas |
| Tries: Con: Pen: Justin Peach (2), Lionel Cornelius | | Tries: Con: Pen: Conrad Barnard (3) |
* Boland Stadium, Wellington Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
* 19:10 2008-07-04
| Lions | 35–23 | Falcons |
| Tries: Earl Rose (3), Franco van der Merwe Con: Earl Rose (3) Pen: Earl Rose (3) | | Tries: Dawid Pretorius, Emile Verster, Rouan Cloete Con: Len Olivier Pen: Jacques Schutte, Len Olivier |
* Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
* 15:00 2008-07-05
| Western Province | 9–3 | Free State Cheetahs |
| Tries: Con: Pen: Willem de Waal (3) | | Tries: Con: Pen: Chris Rossouw |
* Newlands Stadium, Cape Town Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
* 17:05 2008-07-05
| Blue Bulls | 35–14 | Sharks |
| Tries: Francois Hougaard, Tiger Mangweni (2), Wynand Olivier Con: Morné Steyn (3) Pen: Morné Steyn (3) | Report | Tries: Philippus van den Berg Con: Pen: Monty Dumond (3) |
* Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Referee: JC Fortuin (South Africa)

### Round 3 summary

* A handful of spectators witnessed a 9–9 draw between Griquas and Boland Cavaliers at a damp and overcast Boland Stadium in Wellington.
* Lions fullback Earl Rose scored 30 points to help his team to a 35–23 win over a determined Falcons outfit in their clash at Coca-Cola Park.
* Western Province beat the Free State Cheetahs 9–3 in a dull match on a dull day at Newlands Stadium.
* The Blue Bulls went top of the standings after a convincing 35–14 win over Sharks at Loftus Versfeld.

## Round 4

* 19:10 2008-07-11
| Sharks | 28–10 | Falcons |
| Tries: Keegan Daniel, Jacques Botes (2), Skholiwe Ndlovu Con: Monty Dumond Pen: Monty Dumond (2) | | Tries: Gerrit Hendrik Odendaal Con: Len Olivier Pen: Jacques Schutte |
* ABSA Stadium, Durban Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
* 15:00 2008-07-12
| Lions | 57–17 | Boland Cavaliers |
| Tries:Jaco Pretorius (2), Altenstadt Hulme, Earl Rose, Doppies la Grange, Hendrik van Schalkwyk, Jano Vermaak, Willem Alberts Con: Earl Rose (7) Pen: Earl Rose | | Tries: Dries van Schalkwyk, Elgar Watts Con: Elgar Watts, Lionel Cornelius Pen: Lionel Cornelius |
* Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg Referee: Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)
* 15:00 2008-07-12
| Griquas | 21–20 | Western Province |
| Tries: Gavin Passens, James van der Walt Con: Conrad Barnard Pen: Riaan Viljoen (3) | | Tries: Brok Harris, Francois Louw Con: Willem de Waal (2) Pen: Willem de Waal (2) |
* ABSA Park, Kimberley Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
* 17:05 2008-07-12
| Blue Bulls | 31–23 | Free State Cheetahs |
| Tries: Akona Ndungane, Danie Rossouw, Wynand Olivier Con: Morné Steyn (2) Pen: Morné Steyn (4) | Report | Tries: Hendro Scholtz, Jongi Nokwe Con: Chris Rossouw (2) Pen: Chris Rossouw (3) |
* Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa)

### Round 4 summary

* Sharks went to the top of the standings with a 28–10 win over the Falcons at ABSA Stadium in Durban, but it required a late surge against very willing opposition for the home side to earn the bonus point.
* Lions achieved their objective against the Boland Cavaliers and collected a full house of five log points from their match at Coca-Cola Park.
* The Griquas secured their first victory in this season's Currie Cup with an upset victory over Western Province in Kimberley.
* The Blue Bulls secured their third win of the season, beating the Free State Cheetahs 31–23 at Loftus Versfeld, but failed to secure a vital bonus point.

## Round 5

* 19:10 2008-07-18
| Falcons | 38–32 | Western Province |
| Tries: Dawid Pretorius, Len Olivier, Nicky Kritzinger, Rouan Cloete, Ryno Barnes Con: Len Olivier (5) Pen: Jeffrey Perkins Card: Johan Swartz 49' | Report | Tries: Adriaan Fondse (2), Brok Harris, Wylie Human Con: Willem de Waal (3) Pen: Willem de Waal (2) Card:Ross Skeate 33' to 43', Francois Louw 65' to 75' |
* Bosman Stadium, Brakpan Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
* 15:00 2008-07-19
| Boland Cavaliers | 10–26 | Blue Bulls |
| Tries: Renfred Dazel Con: Justin Peach Pen: Justin Peach Card:Henley du Plessis 57' to 67' | Report | Tries: Akona Ndungane, Marius Delport, Morné Steyn, Wynand Olivier Con: Morné Steyn (3) Pen: Card:Bandise Maku 79' to 80' |
* Boland Stadium, Wellington Referee: Pro Legoete (South Africa)
* 15:00 2008-07-19
| Griquas | 32–36 | Lions |
| Tries:Bjorn Basson, Egon Seconds, MJ Mentz, Rohan Kitshoff, Sarel Pretorius, Wayne van Heerden Con: Wietz Botes Pen: | | Tries: Willie Wepener (2), Louis Ludik (2), Doppies la Grange Con: Earl Rose (4) Pen: Earl Rose (1) |
* ABSA Park, Kimberley Referee: Christie de Preez (South Africa)
* 17:05 2008-07-12
| Free State Cheetahs | 31–9 | Sharks |
| Tries: Schalk van der Merwe, Fabian Juries, Eddie Fredericks, Bevin Fortuin Con: Chris Rossouw (4) Pen: Chris Rossouw | | Tries: Con: Pen: Frédéric Michalak, Monty Dumond (2) |
* Park, Bloemfontein Referee: Mark Lawrence (South Africa)

### Round 5 summary

* The Falcons, reduced to 14 men for the last 30 minutes of the match, handed Western Province their second defeat when they edged the Cape Town side 38–32 in an enthralling encounter in Brakpan.
* It wasn't the prettiest game of rugby, but the Blue Bulls moved to the top of the standings with a 26–10 win over the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington.
* The Lions continued their resurgent form when they hung on for a 36–32 win over a determined Griquas team in an 11-try thriller in Kimberley.
* The Free State Cheetahs bounced back into play-off contention when they smashed the sloppy Sharks team 31–9 in their match in Bloemfontein.

## Round 6

* 19:10 2008-07-25
| Free State Cheetahs | 55–14 | Falcons |
| Tries: Heinrich Brüssow, Jongi Nokwe, Kabamba Floors (2), Robert Ebersohn (2), Wilton Pietersen (2) Con: Bevin Fortuin (3), Tewis de Bruyn (3) Pen: Chris Rossouw | | Tries: Johan Jackson Con: Riaan Smit, Len Olivier Pen: |
* Park, Bloemfontein Referee: Gareth Lloyd-Jones (South Africa)
* 15:00 2008-07-26
| Western Province | 50–10 | Boland Cavaliers |
| Tries: AJ Venter, Deon Fourie, Dylan des Fountain, Gcobani Bobo, Joe Pietersen, Ross Skeate, Wylie Human Con: Peter Grant (6) Pen: Peter Grant | | Tries: Andries van Schalkwyk Con: Stefan Basson Pen: Justin Peach |
* Newlands Stadium, Cape Town Referee: Pro Legoete (South Africa)
* 17:05 2008-07-26
| Sharks | 16–11 | Lions |
| Tries: Keegan Daniel Con: Ruan Pienaar Pen: Ruan Pienaar (3) | | Tries: Willem Alberts Con: Pen: Earl Rose (2) |
* ABSA Stadium, Durban Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Bye :
| Blue Bulls | Griquas |

### Round 6 summary

* The defending champions, the Free State Cheetahs, proved to be too quick and powerful for the Falcons as they raced a 55–14 win in their match in Bloemfontein.
* Western Province have redeemed the wobbly away leg of their campaign, with an emphatic 50–10 drubbing over their Cape counterparts Boland Cavaliers at Newlands.
* The Sharks squeezed home a late 16–11 victory over the Lions in Durban, sealing a hard-fought encounter that saw a plethora of missed opportunities from both sides.
* The Blue Bulls and Griquas match was postponed till 15 August 2008.

## Round 7

* 19:10 2008-08-01
| Falcons | 7–50 | Blue Bulls |
| Tries: Riaan Smit Con: Riaan Smit Pen: Card:Warren Perkins 49' to 59' | Report | Tries: Wikus van Heerden (3), Werner Kruger, Rocco Jansen, Pedrie Wannenburg Con: Burton Francis, Morné Steyn (3) Pen: Morné Steyn (4) Card:Francois Hougaard 62' to 72' |
* Bosman Stadium, Brakpan Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
* 15:00 2008-08-02
| Griquas | 15–44 | Sharks |
| Tries: Sarel Pretorius, Bjorn Basson Con: Conrad Barnard Pen: Conrad Barnard | | Tries: Chris Jordaan (2), Jacques Botes (2), Deon Carstens, Riaan Swanepoel, Waylon Murray Con: Monty Dumond (3) Pen: Stefan Terblanche |
* ABSA Park, Kimberley Referee: Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)
* 15:00 2008-08-02
| Boland Cavaliers | 10–15 | Free State Cheetahs |
| Tries: Danwel Demas Con: Justin Peach Pen: Justin Peach | | Tries: Conrad Strauss, Fabian Juries Con: Chris Rossouw Pen: Chris Rossouw |
* Boland Stadium, Wellington Referee: Christie du Preez (South Africa)
* 17:05 2008-08-02
| Lions | 27–13 | Western Province |
| Tries: Franco van der Merwe, Doppies la Grange, Jano Vermaak Con: Earl Rose (3) Pen: Earl Rose (2) Card:Dewald Senekal 12' to 22' | | Tries: Nick Köster Con: Willem de Waal Pen: Willem de Waal (2) |
* Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa)

### Round 7 summary

* The Blue Bulls raced back to the top of the standings with an emphatic 50–7 win over a game, but hopelessly outclassed, Falcons team in Brakpan.
* Sharks brought Griquas down to earth, literally, with a bang, when they scored an emphatic 44–15 win in Kimberley.
* The defending champions Free State Cheetahs managed to stay in the top two in the standings, thanks to a fortuitous 15–10 victory over a spirited Boland Cavaliers outfit in Wellington.
* The Lions edged back into the top four in the standings with a deserved 27–13 win over Western Province in Johannesburg.

## Round 8

* 16:00 2008-08-08
| Boland Cavaliers | 31–29 | Falcons |
| Tries: Marnus Hugo, Danwel Demas, (2) Jean Botha, Neil Papier Con: Isma-eel Dollie, Justin Peach (2) Pen: | | Tries: Dawid Pretorius, Rassie Jansen van Vuuren, Jan Kruger (2), Reg Muller Con: Jeffrey Perkins (2) Pen: |
* Boland Stadium, Wellington Referee: Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)
* 18:00 2008-08-08
| Free State Cheetahs | 22–3 | Griquas |
| Tries: Fabian Juries, Hendro Scholtz, Phillip van der Merwe Con: Chris Rossouw, Tewis de Bruyn Pen: Chris Rossouw Card:Gavin Passens 24' to 34', Cobus Calldo 60' to 70' | | Tries: Con: Pen: Conrad Barnard Card:Cilliers Coetzer 11' to 21', Wayne van Heerden 60' to 70' |
* Park, Bloemfontein Referee: JC Fortuin (South Africa)
* 19:10 2008-08-08
| Western Province | 10–32 | Sharks |
| Tries: Nick Köster Con: Joe Pietersen Pen: Joe Pietersen | | Tries: Frédéric Michalak, Albert van den Berg, Skipper Badenhorst, Stefan Terblanche Con: Ruan Pienaar (3) Pen: Ruan Pienaar DG: Frédéric Michalak |
* Newlands Stadium, Cape Town Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
* 19:10 2008-08-08
| Blue Bulls | 27–30 | Lions |
| Tries: Burton Francis, Pedrie Wannenburg, Zane Kirchner Con: Morné Steyn (3) Pen: Morné Steyn (2) | Report | Tries: Franco van der Merwe, Willie Wepener (2), Jaco Pretorius Con: Earl Rose (2) Pen: Earl Rose (2) |
* Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

### Round 8 summary

* The Boland Cavaliers scored a nail-biting 31–29 win over Falcons in a match at Boland Stadium in Wellington, after trailing 19–7 at the interval.
* The defending champion Free State Cheetahs showed superior form in finishing off neighbours Griquas and cement their place in the top two in the standings with convincing 22–3 win in Bloemfontein.
* Sharks moved back to the top of the standings with an emphatic 32–10 win over a hapless Western Province outfit in their Round Eight match at Newlands.
* The Lions, after an early season wobble, have hit some impressive mid-season form and moved further up the standings with an impressive 30–27 bonus-point win over the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

## Round 6 bye

* 19:10 2008-08-15
| Blue Bulls | 41–12 | Griquas |
| Tries: Dewald Potgieter, Deon Stegmann, Gurthro Steenkamp, Tiger Mangweni Con: Morné Steyn (3) Pen: Morné Steyn (5) | Report | Tries: MJ Mentz, Wietz Botes Con: Riaan Viljoen Pen: |
* Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Referee: Christie du Preez (South Africa)

### Round 6 bye summary

* The Blue Bulls returned to the top of the standings after they recorded an emphatic 41–12 win over the Griquas in the Round 6 catch-up match at Loftus Versfeld.

## Round 9

* 19:10 2008-08-22
| Lions | 28–38 | Free State Cheetahs |
| Tries: Earl Rose, Rayno Benjamin (2) Con: Earl Rose (2) Pen: Earl Rose (2) DG: Earl Rose Card: Jano Vermaak 30' to 40' | | Tries: David de Villiers, Hendro Scholtz, Jacobus Jonker, Neil Powell Con: Chris Rossouw (2), Tewis de Bruyn Pen: Chris Rossouw (4) |
* Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
* 15:00 2008-08-23
| Griquas | 59–19 | Falcons |
| Tries: Albertus Buckle, Bjorn Basson, Hans van Dyk, MJ Mentz (3), Rohan Kitshoff, Sarel Pretorius Con: Conrad Barnard (5) Pen: Conrad Barnard (3) | | Tries: Jody Jenneker, Hanno Coetzee, Nicky Kritzinger Con: Petrus van Rooyen Pen: |
* ABSA Park, Kimberley Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
* 16:00 2008-08-29
| Boland Cavaliers | 7–41 | Sharks |
| Tries: Alvin Hugo Con: Justin Peach Pen: | | Tries: Brad Barritt, Chris Jordaan, Keegan Daniel, Jacques Botes, Waylon Murray (2) Con: Frédéric Michalak (3), Rory Kockott Pen: Frédéric Michalak |
* Boland Stadium, Wellington Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
* 19:10 2008-08-29
| Blue Bulls | 37–6 | Western Province |
| Tries: Sello Mametsa, Tiger Mangweni, Werner Kruger, Wikus van Heerden Con: Morné Steyn (4) Pen: Morné Steyn | Report | Tries: Con: Pen: Joe Pietersen (2) |
* Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Referee: Mark Lawrence (South Africa)

### Round 9 summary

* The Free State Cheetahs raced back to the top of the standings with a comfortable 38–28 win over the Lions in their match in Johannesburg.
* A flurry of tries, including a hat-trick from wing MJ Mentz, saw the Griquas put on their performance of the season against the Falcons, to win 59–19 in their clash in Kimberley.
* Sharks ran in six tries to secure a coveted bonus point, in the convincing 41–7 victory over the Boland Cavaliers, despite a saturated pitch at Boland Stadium.
* A late Tiger Mangweni try gave the Blue Bulls a bonus-point 37–6 victory over Western Province in Pretoria, putting the hosts back on top of the standings after the Free State Cheetahs were on top of the standings for a week.

## Round 10

* 19:10 2008-09-05
| Falcons | 14–83 | Lions |
| Tries: Dawid Pretorius, Gavin Whittingham Con: Petrus van Rooyen (2) Pen: | | Tries: Anton van Zyl, Ethienne Reynecke (2), Doppies la Grange (2), Hendrik van Schalkwyk (2), Jaco Pretorius, Lukhanyo Nontshinga, Michael Killian (2), Rayno Benjamin (2) Con: Earl Rose (6), Louis Strydom (3) Pen: Card: Jaco van Schalkwyk 63' |
* Bosman Stadium, Brakpan Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
* 15:00 2008-09-06
| Free State Cheetahs | 17–35 | Western Province |
| Tries: Fabian Juries, Wilton Pietersen Con: Herman Bosman (2) Pen: Herman Bosman | | Tries: Andries Bekker, Ricky Januarie, Jean de Villiers (cpt), Joe Pietersen Con: Peter Grant (3) Pen: Peter Grant (3) Card:Schalk Burger 29' 70' |
* Park, Bloemfontein Referee: Phillip Bosch (South Africa)
* 17:00 2008-09-06
| Griquas | 48–22 | Boland Cavaliers |
| Tries: Bjorn Basson (3), Heinrich Stride, MJ Mentz (2), Wietz Tobias Botes Con: Conrad Barnard (5) Pen: Conrad Barnard | | Tries: Renfred Dazel, Willem van Zyl, W. P. Nel Con: Justin Peach(2) Pen: Justin Peach |
* ABSA Park, Kimberley Referee: Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)
* 17:05 2008-09-06
| Sharks | 34–25 | Blue Bulls |
| Tries: JP Pietersen, Keegan Daniel, Odwa Ndungane, Stefan Terblanche Con: Ruan Pienaar (4) Pen: Ruan Pienaar (2) | | Tries: Marius Delport, Victor Matfield, Wynand Olivier (2) Con: Morné Steyn Pen: Morné Steyn |
* ABSA Stadium, Durban Referee: Mark Lawrence (South Africa)

### Round 10 summary

* The Lions produced a polished performance to obliterate the struggling Falcons, courtesy of an 83–14 thumping at Bosman Stadium in Brakpan.
* Western Province managed to keep their slim hopes of a semifinal alive after a convincing 35–17 victory over the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
* Wing Bjorn Basson made a star turn for his province at the Griquas swept the challenge of the Boland Cavaliers aside with a 48–22 win at ABSA Park in Kimberley.
* Sharks moved into top spot on the standings after disposing of the Blue Bulls courtesy of a 34–25 win at ABSA Stadium in Durban.

## Round 11

* 19:10 2008-09-12
| Blue Bulls | 69–19 | Boland Cavaliers |
| Tries: Akona Ndungane, Burton Francis, Gurthro Steenkamp, Wilhelm Steenkamp (2), Marius Delport, Morné Steyn, Sello Mametsa (2), Tiger Mangweni, Wayne Julies Con: Burton Francis, Morné Steyn (5), Zane Kirchner Pen: | Report | Tries: Elgar Watts, Johannes van Niekerk, Lionel Cornelius Con: Lionel Cornelius (2) Pen: |
* Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
* 15:00 2008-09-13
| Western Province | 92–15 | Falcons |
| Tries: Andries Bekker (5), Jean de Villiers, Bolla Conradie, Luke Watson, Nick Köster, Schalk Brits, Sireli Naqelevuki (2), Tonderai Chavhanga (2) Con: Joe Pietersen (2), Peter Grant (9) Pen: | | Tries: Jan Kruger (2) Con: Petrus van Rooyen Pen: Petrus van Rooyen |
* Newlands Stadium, Cape Town Referee: Christie du Preez (South Africa)
* 17:00 2008-09-13
| Lions | 41–20 | Griquas |
| Tries: Doppies la Grange, Michael Killian (3), Cobus Grobbelaar, Ross Geldenhuys Con: Earl Rose (3), Louis Strydom Pen: Earl Rose | | Tries: Hans van Dyk, Jacques Lombaard Con: Conrad Barnard (2) Pen: Conrad Barnard (2) |
* Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg Referee: JC Fortuin (South Africa)
* 17:05 2008-09-13
| Sharks | 22–10 | Free State Cheetahs |
| Tries: Keegan Daniel, Pieter Carstens, Steven Sykes Con: Ruan Pienaar (2) Pen: François Steyn | | Tries: Juan Smith Con: Tewis de Bruyn Pen: Tewis de Bruyn |
* ABSA Stadium, Durban Referee: Willie Roos (South Africa)

### Round 11 summary

* The Blue Bulls scored 11 tries in an effortless 69–19 trampling over a vulnerable Boland Cavaliers outfit, in their fixture at Loftus Versfeld.
* It was a leisurely Saturday stroll for Western Province, running in 14 tries over a hapless Falcons outfit to a massive 92–15 win, and closing the gap further on the final four in the standings.
* The Lions scored six tries to the Griquas two in a valuable 41–20 victory in Johannesburg, seeing them pip past the Free State Cheetahs into third place in the standings.
* Sharks regained their position on the top of the table after a physical 22–10 victory over the defending champion Free State Cheetahs in Durban.

## Round 12

* 19:10 2008-09-19
| Western Province | 30–18 | Griquas |
| Tries: Ricky Januarie, Jean de Villiers, Francois Louw, Tonderai Chavhanga Con: Peter Grant (2) Pen: Peter Grant (2) | | Tries: Gareth Krause, Penalty try Con: Conrad Barnard Pen: Conrad Barnard (2) Card: Stefan Gerber 45' to 55' |
* Newlands Stadium, Cape Town Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
* 15:00 2008-09-20
| Falcons | 19–44 | Sharks |
| Tries: Franco Booysen, Johan Jackson, Hanno Coetzee Con: Jeffrey Perkins (2) Pen: Card: François Steyn 22' to 32' | | Tries: Jan du Plessis, JP Pietersen, Pat Cilliers, Albert van den Berg, Ryan Kankowski, Waylon Murray (2) Con: Ruan Pienaar (3) Pen: Ruan Pienaar Card: Dewald Coetzee 36' to 46', Wouter Moore 45' to 55' |
* Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park Referee: Pro Legoete (South Africa)
* 15:00 2008-09-20
| Boland Cavaliers | 10–31 | Lions |
| Tries: David Hendricks, Elgar Watts Con: Pen: | | Tries: Derick Minnie, Jaco Pretorius, Lukhanyo Nontshinga, Michael Killian Con: Earl Rose (4) Pen: Earl Rose |
* Boland Stadium, Wellington Referee: Phillip Bosch (South Africa)
* 17:05 2008-09-20
| Free State Cheetahs | 5–23 | Blue Bulls |
| Tries: Robert Ebersohn Con: Pen: | Report | Tries: Bryan Habana, Marius Delport Con: Morné Steyn(2) Pen: Morné Steyn (3) Card: Danie Rossouw 66' to 76' |
* Park, Bloemfontein Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

### Round 12 summary

* Western Province have managed to overtake the Free State Cheetahs into fourth spot, and a semifinal place, in the standings after securing a bonus-point 30–18 win over Griquas at Newlands.
* Sharks consolidated their position at the top of the standings with a solid, if unspectacular 44–19 win over a brave Falcons outfit at Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park.
* The Lions managed to secure a much-needed bonus-point try in the final throes of their match against Boland Cavaliers.
* The Free State Cheetahs have dropped out of the play-off positions after a nervy performance against the Blue Bulls who condemned them to a 23–5 defeat at Park in Bloemfontein.

## Round 13

* 15:30 2008-09-26
| Griquas | 22–58 | Blue Bulls |
| Tries: Conrad Barnard, MJ Mentz, Sarel Pretorius Con: Conrad Barnard (2) Pen: Conrad Barnard | Report | Tries: Akona Ndungane, Bryan Habana, Derick Kuün (3), Fourie Du Preez, Tiger Mangweni, Wynand Olivier Con: Burton Francis (2), Morné Steyn (4) Pen: Morné Steyn (2) |
* ABSA Park, Kimberley Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
* 19:10 2008-09-26
| Falcons | 7–78 | Free State Cheetahs |
| Tries: Ryno Barnes Con: Jeffrey Perkins Pen: Card: Gert Lubbe 19' to 29', Jeffrey Perkins 56' to 66' | | Tries: Penalty try, Duane Vermeulen, Heinrich Brüssow, Jacobus Jonker (2), Louis Potgieter, Jongi Nokwe (3), Kabamba Floors, Tewis de Bruyn (2) Con: Louis Potgieter, Tewis de Bruyn Pen: |
* Bosman Stadium, Brakpan Referee: Deon van Blommestein (South Africa)
* 15:00 2008-09-27
| Boland Cavaliers | 7–23 | Western Province |
| Tries: Danwel Demas Con: Justin Peach Pen: Card: Deon Scholtz 54' to 64' | | Tries: Luke Watson, Sireli Naqelevuki (2) Con: Morgan Newman Pen: Peter Grant (2) |
* Boland Stadium, Wellington Referee: Christie du Preez (South Africa)
* 17:05 2008-09-27
| Lions | 20–34 | Sharks |
| Tries: Ernst Joubert, Hendrik van der Merwe, Lukhanyo Nontshinga Con: Louis Strydom Pen: Earl Rose | | Tries: Jean Deysel, JP Pietersen (2), Deon Carstens Con: Ruan Pienaar (4) Pen: Ruan Pienaar (2) |
* Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg Referee: Mark Lawrence (South Africa)

### Round 13 summary

* The Blue Bulls have pipped Sharks once again and are back on top of the standings, thanks to a 58–22 haul over the Griquas in Kimberley.
* The Free State Cheetahs are back in the semifinal hunt, having leapfrogged the Western Province into fourth place after a bludgeoning 78–7 victory over the Falcons in Barkpan.
* Western Province failed to secure a vital bonus point in their 23–7 victory over the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington, leaving their semifinal hopes in dire straits.
* The Western Province vs Boland Cavaliers match was moved to Newlands on Friday 26 September due to the heavy rain during the week in the Western Cape that caused flooding at the Boland Stadium, but the Free State Cheetahs complained that they had to play the Boland Cavaliers on 2 August in Wellington. Due to this referee Christie du Preez had to make a decision if it was fit to play at the Boland Stadium, Inspection to field took place on Saturday morning and it was rendered that the Boland Stadium was fine for the crucial match.
* Sharks have officially secured a home semifinal thanks to an emphatic 34–20 bonus point victory over the Lions, in their clash in Johannesburg.

## Round 14

* 19:10 2008-10-03
| Blue Bulls | 22–20 | Falcons |
| Tries: Jaco Engels, Stephan Dippenaar, Zane Kirchner Con: Burton Francis (2) Pen: Burton Francis | | Tries: Franco Booysen, Poerie van Rooyen Con: Jeffrey Perkins (2) Pen: Jeffrey Perkins (2) Card: Wouter Moore 30' to 40' |
* Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Referee: JC Fortuin (South Africa)
* 15:00 2008-10-04
| Free State Cheetahs | 50–40 | Boland Cavaliers |
| Tries: Heinrich Brüssow, Jongi Nokwe, Juan Smith (2), Nico Breedt, Schalk van der Merwe, Tewis de Bruyn Con: Jacques-Louis Potgieter (5), Tewis de Bruyn Pen: Jacques-Louis Potgieter | | Tries: Deon Scholtz, Elgar Watts, Josh Strauss, Willem van Zyl Con: Elgar Watts, Justin Peach (4) Pen: Card: David Hendricks 35' to 45', Angelo Brinkhuys 40' to 50' |
* Park, Bloemfontein Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
* 15:00 2008-10-04
| Sharks | 66–12 | Griquas |
| Tries: Albert van den Berg, François Steyn, Jacques Botes, John Smit, JP Pietersen (2), Keegan Daniel (3), Odwa Ndungane Con: Adrian Jacobs, Brad Barritt, Odwa Ndungane, Ruan Pienaar (5) Pen: Card: Brad Barritt 67' to 77' | | Tries: Naas Olivier, Sarel Pretorius Con: Riaan Viljoen Pen: |
* ABSA Stadium, Durban Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
* 17:05 2008-10-04
| Western Province | 14–6 | Lions |
| Tries: Jean de Villiers, Luke Watson Con: Joe Pietersen, Peter Grant Pen: | | Tries: Con: Pen: Earl Rose (2) Card: Doppies la Grange 39' to 49' |
* Newlands Stadium, Cape Town Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

### Round 14 summary

* The Blue Bulls were very nearly left red-faced in front of the Loftus Versfeld faithful as they scraped a 22–20 win over the Falcons
* The Free State Cheetahs did enough to secure their passage to the semifinals courtesy of a 50–40 victory over the Boland Cavaliers in Bloemfontein.
* Sharks confirmed their status and favourites for this year's when they continued their good form with a 66–12 win over the Griquas in Durban.
* Western Province 14-6 Lions

## Knockout stage

| Semi-finals | Semi-finals | Final | Final |
| 11 October 2008 – ABSA Stadium, Durban | 11 October 2008 – ABSA Stadium, Durban |
| Sharks | 29 |
| Sharks | 29 | 25 October 2008 – ABSA Stadium, Durban | 25 October 2008 – ABSA Stadium, Durban |
| Lions | 14 | 25 October 2008 – ABSA Stadium, Durban | 25 October 2008 – ABSA Stadium, Durban |
| Lions | 14 | Sharks | 14 |
| 11 October 2008 – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria | 11 October 2008 – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria | | Sharks | 14 |
| 11 October 2008 – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria | 11 October 2008 – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria | Blue Bulls | 9 |
| Blue Bulls | 31 | Blue Bulls | 9 |
| Free State Cheetahs | 19 | | |

## Semi finals

* 11 October 2008 14:30
| Sharks | 29–14 | Lions |
| Tries: Frédéric Michalak, Ryan Kankowski Con: Ruan Pienaar (2) Pen: François Steyn, Ruan Pienaar (4) | | Tries: Doppies la Grange, Jaque Fourie Con: Chris Jonck, Earl Rose Pen: |
* ABSA Stadium, Durban Referee: Mark Lawrence (South Africa)
* 11 October 2008 17:00
| Blue Bulls | 31–19 | Free State Cheetahs |
| Tries: Bryan Habana, John Mametsa, Victor Matfield Con: Morné Steyn (2) Pen: Morné Steyn (3) DG: Morné Steyn | | Tries: Jongi Nokwe Con: Jacques-Louis Potgieter Pen: Jacques-Louis Potgieter (4) |
* Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

## Final

The Sharks ended a 12-year wait for a trophy by winning the final, against the Blue Bulls in Durban on Saturday 25 October, by 14–9. And they did it in style outscoring the Blue Bulls by two tries to nil.
* 25 October 2008 16:30
| Sharks | 14–9 | Blue Bulls |
| Tries: François Steyn, Ruan Pienaar Con: Frédéric Michalak, Ruan Pienaar Pen: | | Tries: Con: Pen: Morné Steyn (2) DG: Morné Steyn |
* ABSA Stadium, Durban Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)

## Promotion/relegation matches
### Round 1

* 16:30 2008-10-18
| Boland Cavaliers | 54–15 | Griffons |
| Tries: Danwel Demas, Deon Scholtz, Elgar Watts (4), Lionel Cornelius, Piet van Zyl Con: Elgar Watts, Justin Peach (6) Pen: | | Tries: Jacko Jackson, Sarel Louw Con: Jandré Blom Pen: Jandré Blom |
* Boland Stadium, Wellington Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
* 19:00 2008-10-18
| Falcons | 24–29 | Platinum Leopards |
| Tries: Dewald Coetzee, Hanno Coetzee, Petrus van Rooyen Con: Jeffrey Perkins, Petrus van Rooyen (2) Pen: Jeffrey Perkins | | Tries: Jan Van Zyl, Willem Bouwer Con: Clayton Durand (2) Pen: Clayton Durand (5) |
* Bosman Stadium, Brakpan Referee: Willie Roos (South Africa)

### Round 2

* 16:00 2008-10-24
| Boland Cavaliers | 42–50 | Griffons |
| Tries: Angelo Brinkhuys, Bradley Mockford, Deon Scholtz (2), Dewey Swartbooi, Zolani Mofu Con: Justin Peach (5), Lionel Cornelius Pen: | | Tries: Andries Kruger, Darryl Coeries, Hugo Kleynhans, Jacko Jackson, Jandré Blom, Jaun de Wit, Ockie van Zyl Con: Jandré Blom (2), Kennedy Tsimba (4) Pen: DG: Jandré Blom |
* North West Stadium, Welkom Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
* 18:00 2008-10-24
| Falcons | 19–27 | Platinum Leopards |
| Tries: Petrus van Rooyen Con: Petrus van Rooyen Pen: Petrus van Rooyen | | Tries: Jan Van Zyl, Vuyo Zangqa Con: Diederik Botha Pen: Clayton Durand (3), Diederik Botha (2) |
* Profert Olën Park, Potchefstroom Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa)

### Promotion/relegation table

Promotion/relegation :
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | B | Pts |
| Platinum Leopards | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 56 | 43 | +13 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 8 |
| Boland Cavaliers | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 96 | 65 | +31 | 14 | 9 | 2 | 6 |
| Griffons | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 65 | 96 | −31 | 9 | 14 | 1 | 5 |
| Falcons | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 43 | 56 | −13 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 |

### Results

* Boland Cavaliers manage to stay in the Premier Division.
* Platinum Leopards are promoted to the Premier Division.
* The Griffons just lost out to the Boland Cavaliers to remain in the First Division.
* The Falcons are relegated to the First Division after losing both their matches against the Platinum Leopards.

## Statistics
### Top point scorers

| Name | Team | Tries | Conversions | Penalties | Drop goals | Total |
| Morné Steyn | Blue Bulls | 2 | 37 | 33 | 3 | 192 |
| Earl Rose | Lions | 5 | 36 | 24 | 1 | 172 |
| Conrad Barnard | Griquas | 1 | 20 | 19 | 0 | 102 |
| Ruan Pienaar | Sharks | 1 | 25 | 13 | 0 | 87 |
| Chris Rossouw | Free State Cheetahs | 1 | 11 | 19 | 0 | 84 |

### Top try scorers

| Name | Team | Tries |
| Keegan Daniel | Sharks | 9 |
| MJ Mentz | Griquas | 8 |
| Jacques Botes | Sharks | 8 |
| John Mametsa | Blue Bulls | 7 |
| Jongi Nokwe | Free State Cheetahs | 7 |

### Disciplinary records by team

| Team | Red cards | Yellow cards | Total cards |
| Falcons | 1 | 10 | 11 |
| Boland Cavaliers | 0 | 9 | 9 |
| Blue Bulls | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Griquas | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Western Province | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Lions | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Sharks | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Free State Cheetahs | 0 | 2 | 2 |

### Worst disciplinary records by player

| Name | Team | Red Cards | Yellow Cards | Total Cards |
| Johannes Swartz | Falcons | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Jaco van Schalkwyk | Lions | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Sean Plaatjies | Falcons | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Angelo Brinkhuys | Boland Cavaliers | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Stefan Basson | Boland Cavaliers | 0 | 1 | 1 |