With two matches remaining in the league phase of the 2026 Carling Currie Cup, the Airlink Pumas are in a strong position to qualify for a semi-final berth. Just four weeks ago, the Pumas were in dire straits in seventh place on the eight-team log after defeats against the Hollywoodbets Sharks and the Fidelity ADT Lions.

The Pumas have shown tremendous character by winning their last three matches, improving and gelling better as a unit with each game.

After defeating the DHL Stormers 29-7 at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, August 15, the Pumas are third on the log table with 19 points.

Log standings and playoff race

Above them are the Suzuki Griquas and the Toyota Cheetahs, both on 21, with the Kimberley outfit in top spot with a better points difference.

The semi-final race is still wide open with just 11 points separating the Griquas and the seventh-placed Sharks.

Victories against the Griquas and Cheetahs in the remaining two matches will guarantee the Airlink Pumas a semi-final, but whether it will be a home or away game will depend on how other results influence the log table.

Points difference crucial factor

Another vital factor in the Pumas’ semi-final fate will be points difference.

The Mpumalanga team have a points difference of +4, the least of the five teams with a positive difference. They will need to increase their points difference in the next two games.

If two or more teams finish in the top four with the same number of log points, points difference will be the deciding factor for which team will place higher on the log.

Clinical display downs DHL Stormers

On Saturday, the Airlink Pumas delivered a clinical performance, using their physicality and control at Mbombela Stadium to subdue the DHL Stormers for a 29-7 victory.

The Pumas scored four tries and added three conversions and a penalty goal, while the Capetonians could only reply with one converted try.

A 15-0 half-time lead gave the Mpumalanga side a solid platform, and they maintained scoreboard pressure after the break to secure a bonus-point win.

The Stormers scored a late converted try, but by then the Pumas had done enough to move into third place on the log.

Nevaldo Fleurs scored nine points through his three conversions and a penalty goal.

The Airlink Pumas will host the log leaders and defending champions, the Suzuki Griquas, at Mbombela Stadium at 15:00 on Friday, August 21.

Points scorers
Tries: Thomas Bursey, Banie Britz, Jan-Henning Campher, JJ Scheepers
Conversions: Nevaldo Fleurs (3)
Penalty goal: Fleurs.