The second round of the SA Cup delivered an exhilarating weekend of rugby, with three teams maintaining their unbeaten status. The NovaVit Griffons, Suzuki Griquas, and Airlink Pumas each secured crucial victories to establish themselves as early frontrunners in the competition. Seen is Dylan Maart from the Suzuki Griquas with the ball in hand during their match against the Valke.
Image: Danie van der Lith
The second round of the SA Cup delivered an exhilarating weekend of rugby, with three teams maintaining their unbeaten status. The NovaVit Griffons, Suzuki Griquas, and Airlink Pumas each secured crucial victories to establish themselves as early frontrunners in the competition.
Arguably the most thrilling encounter of the weekend took place in Welkom, where the NovaVit Griffons edged out the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers 38-35 in a dramatic clash at the Down Touch Investments Stadium. Both teams crossed the try line five times, but it was Griffons winger Andrew Kota who proved to be the difference.
Kota contributed 18 points with a try, five conversions, and a crucial penalty goal. The Griffons mounted an extraordinary second-half comeback after trailing 28-7 at halftime. Former Springbok centre Cornal Hendricks scored two early tries for the Kavaliers, but the home side fought back with four second-half tries, including a late matchwinner from Chris Hollis.
Meanwhile, Griquas dominated the Valke in Kimberley, claiming a resounding 68-15 victory.
The defending champions ran in ten tries, five in each half, with former Blitzbok Gurshwin Wehr leading the charge with a hat trick. Right wing Dylan Maart and replacement hooker Gustav du Rand each bagged a brace, while fly-half Tylor Sefoor and replacement George Whitehead combined for nine conversions.
Cameron Hufke scores a try during their match against the Griquas at Suzuki Park in Kimberley.
Image: Danie van der Lith
Tertius Kruger from the Griquas ran out for his 50th cap on Saturday.
Image: Danie van der Lith
The Pumas also flexed their muscles with a commanding 61-22 triumph over Eastern Province in Gqeberha. Scrumhalf Ross Braude stole the show with a hat trick of tries, while Clinton Swart added five conversions. The visitors stormed to a 33-10 halftime lead and maintained their dominance throughout, outscoring Eastern Province nine tries to three.
In Bloemfontein, the Cheetahs bounced back emphatically from their opening-round loss with a stunning 69-0 demolition of the Leopards. The Free State outfit raced to a 34-0 lead at the break and never relented, running in 11 tries in total.
Scrumhalf Jandre Nel led the charge with four tries, while Cohen Jasper contributed 19 points, including seven successful conversions.
The Phangela SWD Eagles registered their first win of the competition with a solid 48-22 victory over the Border Bulldogs in George. The Bulldogs remained competitive in the first half, trailing just 19-15 at the interval, but the Eagles pulled away in the second period. Scrumhalf Sachin Toring played a pivotal role, scoring two tries and slotting a conversion.
After two rounds, Griquas top the standings with 10 points, ahead of the Pumas and Griffons on points difference. The Boland Kavaliers follow in fourth place with seven points, while the Cheetahs sit on six. The Eagles and Valke are tied on five points each.
The top four teams at the end of the single round league phase will qualify for the Carling Currie Cup, making every match crucial.
This week's fixtures will see action on Friday and Saturday. Friday’s games include the Phangela SWD Eagles hosting Eastern Province in George, the Border Bulldogs facing Griquas in East London, and a blockbuster clash between the Pumas and Cheetahs in Nelspruit.
Saturday’s encounters will see the Leopards take on the Griffons in Potchefstroom, while the Valke welcome the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers to Kempton Park.
With the competition heating up, fans can expect more thrilling encounters as teams battle for a spot in the prestigious Currie Cup.
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