The SWD Eagles completed their resurgence under Heyneke Meyer by lifting the Currie Cup First Division title with a commanding performance in Friday night’s final in George.
Coached by the former Springbok and Vodacom Bulls boss, the Eagles overturned a fiercely contested opening half to beat the Valke 41-21 after leading 19-14 at the break.
The hosts ran in six tries to three, taking control after half-time with a dominant display up front and clinical finishing.
SWD made the brighter start as inside centre Neil Beukes and hooker Janus Venter crossed for early tries to establish a 12-0 lead.
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The Valke hit back through fullback Hlomla Payi before scrumhalf Xavier Swartbooi restored the hosts’ cushion. Centre Zeilinga Strydom’s try on the stroke of half-time cut the deficit to five points.
The Eagles pulled away after the interval. Fullback Ulrich Wahl claimed their fourth try before flyhalf Divan du Toit added a penalty to extend the advantage to 29-14.
Left wing Runé Lucas finished off another attacking move before Du Toit crossed and converted his own try to put the result beyond doubt at 41-14.
Replacement Tylor Sefoor grabbed a late consolation for the Valke, but the visitors never threatened an Eagles side that controlled the contest during the closing stages.
The victory capped an impressive campaign for SWD despite missing out on promotion to the Premier Division earlier in the season.
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SWD EAGLES – Tries: Niel Beukes, Janus Venter, Xavier Swartbooi, Ulrich Wahl, Runé Lucas, Divan du Toit. Conversions: Du Toit (4). Penalty: Du Toit.
VALKE – Tries: Hlomla Payi, Zeilinga Strydom, Tylor Sefoor. Conversions: Sergio Stalmeester (2), Sefoor.
Photo: Frikkie Kapp/Gallo Images
The post Heyneke’s Eagles win First Division appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The SWD Eagles completed their resurgence under Heyneke Meyer by lifting the Currie Cup First Division title with a commanding performance in Friday night’s final in George.
The post Heyneke’s Eagles win First Division appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
