The Jaguares XV will host the Down Touch Griffons in a historic Currie Cup First Division home final in Potchefstroom after they defeated the Valke and EP Elephants in their respective semi-finals on Saturday.

The Jaguares XV’s dream debut season continued as they registered their eighth victory in as many matches in the competition sponsored by DirectAxis Financial Services, beating the Valke 37-29 at the Fanie du Toit Stadium in Potchefstroom, while the Down Touch Griffons outclassed the EP Elephants 62-31 at the HT Pelatona Projects Stadium in Welkom.

A classy showing by Argentinean flyhalf Domingo Miott, who scored a try, four conversions and three penalty goals – for a personal total of 18 points – proved vital in their victory as two penalty goals and an extra conversion was the difference on the scoreboard in the end.

In stark contrast to their seven pool matches which they won with bonus points, the Jaguares XV were made to work hard for the victory for the first time this season as both teams scored four tries apiece.

The hosts started the clash strongly and built up an encouraging 27-10 lead at the break, which proved handy later in the match as the Valke fought back with intent and outscored them 19 points to 10 in the second half.

In Welkom, a hat-trick by Down Touch Griffons winger Allistair Mumba and a brace by No 8 Cody-Anthony Basson paved the way for their emphatic 62-31 victory against the EP Elephants.

The home side dominated the first half completely, cruising to a 41-10 lead, and this paved the way for the victory as the second half proved much more competitive with both sides scoring 21 points.

Scorers:

Jaguares XV 37 (27) Valke 29 (10)

Jaguares XV – Tries: Leonel Oviedo, Lucio Sordoni, Domingo Miotti, Nicolas Solveyra Von Glasberg Chaet. Conversions: Domingo Miotti (4). Penalty goals: Domingo Miotti (3).

Valke – Tries: Martin Sithole, Anrich Richter, Rodney Damons, Coert Cronje. Conversions: Richter (3). Penalty goal: Richter.

Down Touch Griffons 62 (41) EP Elephants 31 (10)

Down Touch Griffons – Tries: Jean-Jacques Pretoruis, Cody-Anthony Basson (2), Allistair Mumba (3), Duan Pretorius, Jaywinn Juries, Penalty Try. Conversions: Robbie Petzer (6).Penalty goal: Petzer.

EP Elephants – Tries: Lindokuhle Welemu, Stephan de Wit, Meli Rokoua, Diego Williams. Conversions: Oliver Zono (4). Penalty goal: Zono.