The Sharks will play the Cheetahs in Durban and the Blue Bulls will face Western Province at Newlands in the two Currie Cup semi-finals next weekend.
This after the Golden Lions beat log-leading Western Province 27-25 in a pulsating match at Coca-Cola Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.
The result saw Western Province, who went into the weekend's round of matches as log-leaders, relegated to second place with the Sharks topping the log following their bonus point 45-30 over Griquas in Kimberley earlier on Saturday.
As an advertisement for the game of rugby which, through Sevens was allowed into the Olympic fold on Friday, this was absolutely outstanding. Yes, there were many mistakes, but the ferocious tackling, the hard running and good support made this a match to savour.
The teams turned around with Western Province a mere three points ahead at 20-17 after it seemed that they would run away with it just after the first quarter. By then the visitors had scored two long distance tries by Juan de Jongh and Joe Pietersen who also converted both and kicked a penalty.
At 17-3 things didn't look good for the Lions who had played some nervous rugby, rushing their passes and taking one or two doubtful options. There were also too many turnovers from the Lions, both because of handling errors and on the ground where Province were better in the first half.
But then, just before the half hour mark, the Lions threw one attack after the other at WP. They kept it close but the defence held. WP slowed down the ball effectively but, at last, the Lions decided to take it wide and centre Doppies la Grange dotted down as he was tackled.
With eight minutes to go, the Lions slowed the play down to the frustration of the visitors and held out after a turnover for deserved and exciting victory.
