British and Irish Lions

With the final Currie Cup competition before the 2009 Lions tour now two games old, three of the teams scheduled to meet the Lions currently sit in the top four of South Africa's premier domestic tournament.

Wins for the Sharks and Cheetahs, over the Kavaliers and the Lions respectively, saw them both make it two wins from two attempts, while Western Province occupy fourth spot after they beat the Bulls 26-17 to claim their first victory of the season.

The Sharks, who take on the Lions in Durban on June 10, top the table by a point from the Cheetahs thanks to the try-scoring bonus point they picked up during their 38-13 win on Friday night.

The Cheetahs provide the opposition for the Lions in Bloemfontein four days earlier than the Sharks, with Western Province challenging the Lions exactly a week later. Current form suggests the tourists will face a tough week-and-a-half as they prepare for the First Test against the Springboks on June 20.

For a weekly round up of the Currie Cup action, stay in touch with www.lionsrugby.com

ABSA Currie Cup results

Round two

Western Province 26-17 Blue Bulls
Cheetahs 22-18 Lions
Valke 36-30 Griquas
Sharks 38-13 Kavaliers

Round one

Lions 7-21 Blue Bulls
Sharks 28-25 Western Province
Valke 42-48 Kavaliers
Griquas 16-20 Cheetahs

The Waratahs upset the odds by beating Super Rugby leaders the Brumbies 28-22, but the game came at a huge cost to Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.