Griquas Maintain Perfect Record with Win Over Pumas

In a thrilling matchup on Sunday at Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley, the Griquas secured their unbeaten status in the 2026 SA Cup by defeating the defending champions, the Airlink Pumas, with a score of 44-34. The victory allowed Griquas to maintain their position at the top of the league standings with 35 points, while the Pumas remain second with 28 points, just one point ahead of the chasing Dotsure SWD Eagles, who have 27 points.

The encounter featured a tight first half, where Griquas, leading 19-15 at halftime, was able to capitalize on tries from Tiaan Lange, Dylan Maart, and Albert Liebenberg. The Pumas kept the pressure on with tries from Thomas Bursey and Jay Cee Nel. As the second half unfolded, the momentum shifted back and forth; Nel’s second try momentarily gave the Pumas the lead, but Griquas quickly responded with scores from Carel van der Merwe and Caleb Abrahams. Despite further tries from Tiaan de Klerk and Sango Xamlashe for the Pumas, Griquas secured the win with George Whitehead’s precise goal kicking and a late try from Janco Uys.

In other matchups over the weekend, the Dotsure SWD Eagles emerged victorious against the Griffons, winning 45-24, while the Valke claimed a notable victory over the Toyota Cheetahs, edging them out 43-36 in a dramatic contest. The Sanlam Boland Kavaliers also kept their playoff hopes alive with a decisive 33-12 win over the Leopards, and Eastern Province achieved their second win of the season against Border, thrashing them 71-14.

Looking ahead, Griquas will face SWD in their next match, while the Pumas are set to battle against Boland. Other fixtures include the Valke hosting the Leopards and Eastern Province visiting the Griffons.