The Airlink Pumas are one match away from their second consecutive SA Cup final after defeating the NovaVit Griffons 48-7 in Welkom on Saturday, May 10.

The Pumas’ win cemented their top place finish on the log after the league phase of the competition. They remain undefeated with nine wins from nine matches and have accumulated the maximum possible points (45) after the league phase.

They will face the fourth-placed Sanlam Boland Kavaliers in the first semi-final at Mbombela Stadium at 19:00 on Friday, May 16.

The Pumas held a 24-0 lead at half-time in Welkom and went on to score eight tries to one.

Despite the final score, the Griffons put up a valiant fight. They were extremely physical and made the Pumas work hard for the win. The visitors’ set pieces were again the foundation of the victory. The Pumas had the majority of the possession and used it well.

Eddie Swart scored twice for the team from Mpumalanga.

The Pumas concluded the league phase of the SA Cup with the most tries scored (81) and the fewest tries conceded (25).

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The Pumas vs Boland Kavaliers semi promises to be a humdinger. Boland have been the surprise package of the 2025 edition of the SA Cup. They beat the Toyota Cheetahs 45-29 in their opening game and finished the league phase in a well-deserved fourth place.

They have a well-structured game, based on a strong defence and speedy counter-attacking.

On May 3, they lost by two points to the Pumas (32-34) in Wellington.

The Pumas are up for a tough battle. Friday night’s match is knockout; the losers’ SA cup campaign will be over.

Despite the Pumas having home-ground advantage and being the better of the two teams over the league phase, they will not underestimate their opponents. The Mpumalanga team will have to be at their best.

The Pumas should dominate up front, giving the backs plenty of possession to test the Kavaliers’ defence. The Bolanders will expect the onslaught and will no doubt tackle well, force errors and then make the best use of limited possession – something they have done very well so far this season.

Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse and captain Clinton Swart have been full of praise for the home game support during the SA Cup. Both have said that the fans are a vital factor in the team’s success. On Friday this support is needed more than ever. The Pumas feed off the energy of their fans; they want do them proud.

The Suzuki Griquas finished second on the log table and will host the third-placed Cheetahs in Kimberly on Saturday, May 17 at 15:00.

Tries: Eddie Swart (2), Darnell Osuagwu, Tino Swanepoel, Lundi Msenge, Ntsika Fisanti, Duard Deichmann, Clinton Swart.
Conversions: Clinton Swart (2), Danrich Visagie (2).