The Airlink Pumas needed a bonus-point victory in their final 2026 Carling Currie Cup league fixture to guarantee play-off qualification without relying on other results.

That is exactly what they did, producing a masterclass performance at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday afternoon, powering to a 52-26 victory over the Cheetahs and securing their place in the semi-finals.

The Pumas’ destiny was in their own hands and they did not disappoint. Their clinical game plan made the visitors look ordinary. It was the home team’s best performance of the season.

Eight tries seal dominant win

The Pumas ran in eight tries to four. JJ Scheepers and Chyle van Zyl scored two each. Clinton Swart slotted six conversions.

Facing a side that had already qualified for the play-offs and was still challenging the defending champion Suzuki Griquas for top spot, the hosts played with intensity, urgency and attacking ambition.

The Pumas led 28-7 at half-time. Knowing victory would remove any doubt about qualification, the men from Mpumalanga attacked from the outset and consistently won the gain-line battle. Their forwards established dominance in the tight exchanges, creating the platform for the backs to exploit space out wide.

The result was a constant stream of attacking opportunities that gradually overwhelmed the Cheetahs’ defence.

Pumas set up Cheetahs semi-final clash

The Griquas top the log with 31 points after the league phase. The Cheetahs are second on 27, the Pumas third on 22 and the Lions fourth on 20.

The Suzuki Griquas will host the Fidelity ADT Lions, while the Cheetahs welcome the Pumas in the Carling Currie Cup Premier Division semi-finals.

Both semi-finals will take place on Sunday, with the match in Kimberley kicking off at 13:00, followed by the Bloemfontein play-off at 15:30.

Should the Pumas win, they will play the final away if the Griquas win, and at home if the Lions win.