The Pumas outclassed the Boland Cavaliers 57-32 at KaNyamazane Stadium this afternoon.

The Mpumalanga boys scored nine tries to Boland’s one (and a penalty try)  in a masterclass demolition of their opponents in the SuperSport Challenge semi-final.

Boland simply could not cope with the pace and precision of the Pumas’ game.

Boland scored the first points from an offside penalty. Fly half Garrick Mattheus kicked over from in front of the posts.

This was the first and only time Boland were in the lead.

Three minutes later Cameron Lindsay poached a Boland lineout ball on the 50-metre line in front of the main grandstand. The ball went down the back line and winger Ruwellyn Isbell finished off in the left corner.

Four more tries followed in the first half, from Willie Engelbrecht, Jeandré Rudolph, Chris Smith  and Ryan Nell.

Smith converted three times.

A try by eighthman Zandré Jordaan and the conversion and three penalties from the boot of Mattheus kept Boland in the game but the Pumas held a 31-16 half-time lead.

The Pumas poor discipline and three more penalties from Mattheus’ boot took Boland to within six points of the Pumas early in the second half.

The third second-half penalty also earned Marko Janse van Rensburg a yellow card and it was with their teammate in the bin that the Pumas showed their true character and raised their game.

The 14-man team scored two tries. Andrew Beerwinkel dotted down first. Then Devon Williams scored after numerous attacking phases in which he was involved. Smith’s boot took the Pumas to a 43-25 lead and it was game over for Boland.

The second last try personified the confidence the Pumas played with. They were awarded a penalty on their own try line. Smith booted a perfect cross kick to Isbell who sprinted down the left touch line. With defenders chasing he passed to Williams who passed back to him. Isbell scored what could be the try of the season under the poles.

A try just before full time by prop De-Jay Terblanche gave the Pumas a 57-25 lead.

Boland were awarded a penalty try on the hooter.

It was a dominant display of power rugby from the Mpumalanga side. The Pumas could raise their game when needed.

The 18 points conceded in penalty kicks are a cause of concern. The Pumas will have to work on their discipline in the final.

The Pumas set pieces were superb and laid the foundation of their game plan. They were cruelly clinical. Boland gave their all but it was not close to being good enough.

The final will be played against the Tafel Lager Griquas at Saldanha Stadium next Sunday.