IN PHOTOS: Pumas in a must-win match against Griquas after thrashing Leopards
The Griquas are undefeated in the 2026 SA Cup and the match will be played at the Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley.
The Airlink Pumas need to defeat the Suzuki Griquas in the antepenultimate round of the SA Cup on Sunday. In doing so, they will secure a semi-final place and, should they win their semi, a strong possibility of a home final for the second consecutive year.
Both teams pulled away from the chasing pack with resounding wins in their sixth-round fixtures over the weekend, while the Toyota Cheetahs moved up the log after a strong away win in George.
The Pumas beat the Leopards 85-0 in Mbombela on Friday, April 17. Griquas recorded their sixth straight win when they defeated Eastern Province 52-9 in Gqeberha. The Valke beat the Griffons by 68-36 in Welkom, the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers outplayed Border 74-5 in Wellington, and the Cheetahs came from behind to down the Dotsure SWD Eagles 26-17 in George.
Defending champions Pumas executed a ruthless performance at Mbombela Stadium on Friday, overpowering the Leopards to remain firmly in the hunt for a home semi-final.
The foundation was laid early, with Pumas scoring six tries in a dominant first half to establish a 40-0 lead at the break.
Gustav du Rand struck twice, while Jay-cee Nel, Dalvon Blood, Wian van Niekerk and André Fouché also crossed as the Pumas capitalised on sustained pressure and quick ball.
There was no let-up after the interval as Pumas captain Willie Engelbrecht powered over twice, Ruwald van der Merwe added another and Jan-Henning Campher joined the scoresheet.
Former Blitzbok speedster Blood completed a hat-trick in the final moments to cap a clinical team performance.
The outcome of the weekend’s round of league fixtures sees the unbeaten Griquas out in front with 30 log points, followed by the Pumas on 27.
The two top teams clash in a vital match in Kimberley on Sunday. The outcome could decide which team hosts the final.
The Pumas must win with a bonus point and limit the Griquas to no more than one bonus point. This will put the Pumas on top of the log, one point ahead of the Griquas, with two rounds to play before the knock-out stage.
The Griquas face the Dotsure SWD Eagles in Kimberley on May 2, and the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on May 8.
The Pumas play the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers on May 3, and the Down Touch Griffons on May 8; both matches at Mbombela Stadium.
