The Pumas and Griquas go into this weekend’s SA Cup semi-finals as favourites.
The Pumas and the Cheetahs kick off the playoff action at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Friday (6pm).
On Saturday (1pm), Griquas take on the Boland Cavaliers in Kimberley.
Both games will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
The Pumas boast an impressive record in this competition, having lost the inaugural final to Griquas in 2024 before going unbeaten in 2025 to clinch the title against the same opponents in the final.
Jimmy Stonehouse’s men finished second on the log (38 points) behind Griquas, suffering only one defeat and registering a weather-disrupted draw against the Cheetahs during the league stage.
The Cheetahs, under the guidance of Frans Steyn, secured their semi-final place with a dramatic last-gasp victory over the previously unbeaten Griquas last weekend.
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The Pumas have featured in four cup finals over the past four years, winning the Currie Cup Premier Division in 2022 and the SA Cup in 2025 – evidence of their pedigree in knockout rugby.
Encounters between the Pumas and Cheetahs are traditionally tightly contested. Over the past three SA Cup seasons, only five points separate the sides in their respective meetings. Adding further intrigue, their league clash earlier in March was abandoned due to a thunderstorm in Bloemfontein.
The Pumas head into the semi-final with momentum, having recorded four wins from their last five matches, their only setback a 44-34 defeat away to Griquas. The Free Staters, meanwhile, have shown resilience on the road, losing just once in their last four away fixtures – a 43-26 defeat to the Valke.
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In the second semi-final, Griquas return to their Kimberley stronghold after a dominant league phase in which they secured eight wins from nine matches. Boasting the competition’s best defensive record, Pieter Bergh’s side will be formidable opponents on home soil for Boland.
History also favours the hosts. Since the competition’s inception in 2024, Griquas have held the upper hand over the Cavaliers and have finished in the top two in all three SA Cup editions to date, winning both their previous semi-finals.
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That pedigree, combined with their impressive home record, makes them favourites against Hawies Fourie’s side, whose only defeat in their last five outings came against Griquas, who won their league-stage clash 24-14.
A fascinating contest is expected, pitting Griquas’ renowned defensive steel against a Boland outfit known for their attacking flair and ability to score from anywhere on the field.
The SA Cup final will take place on Saturday, 23 May (6:15pm).
Photo: Pumas
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The Pumas and Griquas go into this weekend’s SA Cup semi-finals as favourites.
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