The 2025 SA Cup kicked off in thrilling fashion over the weekend, with all five matches delivering high-scoring encounters and bonus-point victories. The Griquas beat the Leopards 66-7 in their opening match.
Image: Danie van der Lith
The 2025 SA Cup got under way in thrilling fashion over the weekend, and defending champions Suzuki Griquas wasted no time in stamping their authority on the competition with a dominant opening-round victory. While other teams battled it out across the country, it was Griquas who delivered one of the most emphatic performances, laying down a marker for the competition.
Champions in Command: Griquas Crush Leopards
The Suzuki Griquas kicked off their title defence with a ruthless 64-7 demolition of the Leopards in Potchefstroom. The Kimberley-based outfit ran in 10 tries, showing their attacking flair and defensive resilience. Loose forward Carl Els and left wing Connor Mahoney each grabbed a brace, while former Junior Springbok flyhalf Tylor Sefoor added four conversions in a commanding display.
While the Leopards managed a lone second-half try through Arminn Posthumus, converted by Shaun-Christian Baxter, they were no match for the high-intensity rugby displayed by Griquas. The reigning champions were relentless from the outset, executing their game plan with precision and showing why they are the team to beat this season.
Elsewhere in the competition, the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers produced somewhat of a surprise when they secured a 45-29 win over the Toyota Cheetahs in Wellington, with Ashlon Davids and Gart April proving decisive from the kicking tee.
The NovaVit Griffons came from behind to beat the Border Bulldogs 55-32 in East London, with hooker Simon Westraadt scoring a hat trick, and the Airlink Pumas were ruthless in their 75-7 win over the Phangela SWD Eagles in George, running in 11 tries. Meanwhile, the Valke fought back from a halftime deficit to claim a 41-30 victory over Eastern Province in Kempton Park, led by the boot of Keagan Fortune.
Next Up: Griquas vs Valke in Key Clash
Griquas now turn their attention to their first home game of the season as they prepare to take on the Valke this Friday at Suzuki Park in Kimberley.
With both teams opening their campaigns with bonus-point wins, this sets the stage for an exciting encounter in the Diamond City. The home crowd will be eager to see their team continue their dominance and build momentum early in the tournament.
With the SA Cup under way and Griquas looking every bit the championship contenders, supporters can expect another thrilling display from their team. The journey to back-to-back titles is just beginning, and the men from Kimberley are ready for the challenge.
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