Round five of the SA Cup delivered another feast of provincial rugby as Suzuki Griquas maintained their immaculate record whilst defending champions Airlink Pumas served up a ruthless reminder of their title credentials. The weekend also witnessed Eastern Province finally break their duck in dramatic fashion, whilst the semi-final picture crystallises with just five rounds remaining.

The Kimberley outfit’s unbeaten streak reached five matches following a 24-14 bonus-point triumph over Sanlam Boland Kavaliers in Wellington, cementing their position atop the standings with a maximum 25 points. Meanwhile, the Dotsure SWD Eagles kept pace with a nail-biting 43-40 victory against the Valke, and the Toyota Cheetahs demolished the Griffons 57-10 in a Free State derby that rarely threatened to ignite.

But it was the Pumas who produced the weekend’s most emphatic statement, a staggering 94-5 demolition of Border Bulldogs in East London that featured 14 tries and underscored their determination to defend the crown they claimed last season.

Griquas grind out Wellington triumph

Suzuki Griquas preserved their perfect start to the campaign with a workmanlike 24-14 victory over Sanlam Boland Kavaliers at the Boland Stadium, where the visitors constructed a 19-7 half-time advantage that proved insurmountable.

The Kavaliers’ challenge was hampered by indiscipline and basic errors, with two yellow cards disrupting their rhythm at crucial junctures. Griquas capitalised ruthlessly, with former Boland stars Gurshwin Wehr and Dylan Maart both crossing against their old employers. Tiaan Lange added a third try before the interval, though the hosts responded when Doctor Booysen powered over just before the break, with James Tedder converting.

Connor Mahoney secured the bonus point shortly after the restart, extending Griquas’ lead to an unassailable margin. Tedder provided late respectability for the Kavaliers when he crossed and converted his own try, but Griquas controlled the closing stages to preserve their unblemished record.

Eagles soar in Kempton Park thriller

The Dotsure SWD Eagles delivered a pulsating 43-40 triumph over the Valke at Barnard Stadium, edging a see-sawing encounter that was deadlocked at 26-26 at the interval.

The hosts struck early through Mbembe Payi and Musa Tshabalala, but SWD demonstrated patience and precision, utilising multiple phases to stretch the Valke defence. Kyle Cyster, Gunther Janse van Vuuren and Nico Leonard all crossed in a first half that crackled with attacking intent.

The Eagles seized control after the break, with Niel Beukes, Rosco Syster and Fred Zeilinga crossing to establish breathing space. Zeilinga’s composed goal-kicking under mounting pressure proved decisive, including a late penalty that ultimately sealed the contest.

The Valke refused to surrender meekly, with Theuns Pretorius and Payi scoring late tries to set up a frantic finale. However, SWD’s composure in the decisive moments saw them home, moving them to 22 points alongside the Pumas, though they occupy third spot on points difference.

Pumas deliver ominous warning

Defending champions Airlink Pumas issued a chilling reminder of their credentials with an utterly ruthless 94-5 demolition of Border Bulldogs at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium, their fourth victory of the campaign.

The Mpumalanga outfit raced to a commanding 33-5 half-time lead before accelerating away in the second stanza, running in 14 tries whilst missing just two conversions. Border were restricted to a solitary first-half try as the Pumas’ attack clicked into devastating gear.

Fullback JC Nel enjoyed a day to remember, helping himself to four tries in a virtuoso display. He received sterling support from Andrew Kota, JJ Scheepers and Tino Swanepoel, who each crossed twice as the Pumas’ backline carved through Border’s overwhelmed defence at will.

Clinton Swart and Nevaldo Fleurs combined for 12 conversions between them, underlining the clinical nature of the performance. Border remain rooted to the foot of the table without a single point, their campaign now resembling a damage-limitation exercise.

Cheetahs cruise past Griffons

The Toyota Cheetahs maintained their semi-final challenge with a comprehensive 57-10 triumph over the Griffons in Welkom, dominating their Northern Free State neighbours in all facets after weathering early pressure.

Flanker Daniel Maartens opened the scoring, converted by Jaco van der Walt, though the Griffons briefly threatened when Keegan Schaefer slotted a penalty. The Cheetahs gradually imposed themselves, with Cohen Jasper and Tielman Nieuwoudt crossing to establish a 19-3 half-time buffer.

The second half belonged entirely to the visitors. Speedster Michael Annies bagged a brace, whilst Juan Smal and Marco Janse van Vuuren also dotted down. Jasper and Nieuwoudt both grabbed second tries, and the Cheetahs were awarded a penalty try as their superiority became overwhelming.

The Griffons’ resistance was rewarded with a converted try from Jandre de Beer, though yellow cards to Wikus Nieuwenhuis (Griffons) and Marko Janse van Rensburg (Cheetahs) briefly reduced both sides to 14 men.

The victory keeps the Cheetahs firmly in the semi-final conversation on 18 points, whilst the Griffons languish in sixth on 10 points.

EP finally off the mark

Eastern Province claimed their maiden victory of the campaign with a 43-31 success over the Leopards in Potchefstroom, edging a competitive encounter after establishing a slender 19-17 half-time advantage.

The Leopards made an encouraging start, with Daimon O’Connell, Ghudian van Reenen and Naiden Jaarts all crossing in a free-flowing first half. EP remained composed, responding through tries from Dandre Delport, Mpho Ntsane and Damon Royle to stay in touch.

The Eastern Cape outfit lifted the tempo after the interval, applying sustained pressure that yielded dividends. Ntsane completed a hat-trick, whilst Garth April and replacement Hlomla Zondani also crossed as EP constructed a decisive advantage.

The Leopards refused to fold, with Jaarts grabbing his second and Brandon Keevy also dotting down, but EP’s composure saw them navigate the closing stages to clinch a long-awaited first win.

Both sides remain on seven points, though EP will draw considerable confidence from finally getting off the mark.

The standings take shape

After five rounds, Griquas’ perfect record sees them occupy top spot on 25 points, two clear of the Pumas and SWD Eagles, who are level on 22 points but separated by points difference in favour of the defending champions.

The Cheetahs sit fourth on 18 points, with Boland dropping to fifth on 15 following their defeat. The Griffons occupy sixth on 10 points, ahead of the Valke (nine), EP and the Leopards (both seven), with Border still searching for their first points at the foot of the table.

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