Pumas power past Griquas to claim historic SA Cup title

It was a dominant performance from the Mpumalanga side, who led 19-7 at halftime and maintained their stranglehold in the second half to finish the competition unbeaten, a feat previously achieved only by the Griquas in the inaugural edition last year.

Griquas’ hopes of back-to-back titles took a massive blow early on when prop Cebo Dlamini was shown a red card in the 7th minute for a dangerous head-on tackle.

With the visitors temporarily reduced to 14 men, the Pumas pounced, hooker Eddie Swart crashing over from a rolling maul, with Danrich Visagie adding the extras.

The Pumas dominated territory and possession, forcing the Kimberley side into defensive mode.

READ: Breyton Poole appeals to Athletics SA and SASCOC for support to compete in Europe

Their pressure paid off handsomely with a brace of tries from centre Sango Xamlashe.

His first came after a slick step inside two defenders, and the second followed a sweeping backline move and precision skip pass, stretching the lead to 19-0.

Griquas pulled one back before the break through speedster Gurshwin Wehr, who intercepted a loose pass to race in under the posts, narrowing the deficit to 19-7 at halftime.

But the second half belonged to the home team. Visagie slotted a penalty to extend the lead, before converting a try from No 8 Willie Engelbrecht, who picked off an intercept to gallop in untouched.

The Pumas’ flyhalf added another penalty soon after, making it 32-7.

Although Mnombo Zwelendaba crossed for a second Griquas try, it proved little more than consolation. Replacement prop Dewald Maritz muscled over in the dying minutes to cap off a resounding victory for the men in pink.

The result not only sealed the Pumas’ maiden SA Cup crown, but also underlined their growing stature in the domestic rugby landscape.