Griquas and Pumas Keep Rolling

Elsewhere, defending champions Suzuki Griquas kept their perfect record intact by overcoming the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers 42-36 in a pulsating encounter at Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley on Friday. The hosts had to come from behind after trailing 17-14 at halftime but ultimately outscored the visitors by six tries to five to stay unbeaten at the top of the table.

Just as dominant were the Airlink Pumas, who produced a devastating display of attacking rugby to annihilate the Border Bulldogs 110-7 in Nelspruit. The Pumas ran in a jaw-dropping 16 tries, with fullback Tino Swanepoel crossing the whitewash four times. Flyhalf Danrich Visagie had a field day with the boot, slotting 15 conversions and scoring a try of his own for a personal haul of 35 points.

With these results, both the Pumas and Griquas remain locked at the top of the log on 25 points apiece, boasting five bonus-point wins from five starts.

Valke Hold Off Eagles Surge

In George, the Valke battled to a hard-fought 24-18 victory over the Phangela SWD Eagles at Outeniqua Park on Friday afternoon. The East Randers flew out of the blocks, scoring three first-half tries through Sergio Stalmeester, Mbembe Payi, and Godfrey Muzanargwo to take a 24-10 lead into the break.

The Eagles rallied in the second half with a try from Hlomla Zondani and two penalties from Roshwin Abrahams, but the Valke held firm in the dying minutes to record their third win and keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Both teams now sit on 15 points, just outside the top four.

EP Claim Vital Win at Home

Eastern Province notched up their second win of the campaign by seeing off the Leopards 26-17 in Gqeberha on Saturday. Playing at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, the home side showed grit and attacking flair, scoring four tries despite playing a portion of the match with 14 men after CJ Velleman was yellow-carded.

The Leopards threatened early in the second half when Bryan Breda dotted down, but Jayden Bantom and Wayne Ngubane responded with crucial scores for EP, who moved to seventh on the log with 12 points.

#cheetahs-rugby

Cheetahs edge Griffons in Free State derby to storm into SA Cup top four