Hungry Sharks top Currie Cup table

Sharks devoured Griquas 42-3 Friday to win the league phase of the Currie Cup and become favourites to also lift the trophy. Topping the South African championship table means a home semi-final for the Durban-based franchise next weekend against the fourth-place finishers, and also a home final on October 27 if they qualify. Fly-half Patrick Lambie, back from Springbok Rugby Championship duty, kicked four conversions and three penalties for a 17-point tally and Cobus Reinach, Louis Ludik, Lwazi Mvovo, Lubabalo Mtembu and Charl McLeod scored a try each. All Griquas could offer in return was a penalty from Francois Brummer and the Kimberley outfit must wait until late Saturday to know whether they play in the semi-finals, finish fifth, or come last and face a relegation play-off. Away victories for Free State Cheetahs and Blue Bulls at Western Province and title holders Golden Lions respectively would lift them above fourth-place Griquas, whose sole Currie Cup title came 42 years ago.