The Free State Cheetahs are the only unbeaten team left in the Currie Cup, while the Vodacom Bulls and Griquas have also strengthened their positions in the competition.

The Cheetahs have consolidated their top spot in the standings with 22 points after five matches, after a hard-fought 24-17 win over Western Province in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

In Pretoria, defending champions the Bulls bounced back to winning ways to down the Sharks 35-21 at a wet Loftus Versfeld. And, in Kimberley, the Griquas ran the winless Lions off their feet for their 49-17 triumph. The Pumas had a bye.