SA Cup: Griquas, Pumas battle for top spot

Defending SA Cup champions the Pumas travel to Kimberley to take on Griquas in a top-of-the-table clash on Sunday.

Unbeaten Griquas top the standings on 30 points, followed by the Pumas on 27, with three rounds remaining. The Cheetahs are third (23), followed by the SWD Eagles (22) and Boland Cavaliers (20).

The four semi-finalists qualify for the Currie Cup Premier Division.

SA CUP WRAP: Griquas, Pumas pull away

The weekend action kicks off on Friday afternoon in Gqeberha, where Eastern Province host the Border Bulldogs in an Eastern Cape derby.

Also on Friday, the Leopards host Boland at Olën Park in Potchefstroom.

On Saturday, the Eagles face a crucial test against the Griffons in George, while the Cheetahs travel to the East Rand to play the Valke.

However, all eyes will be on Sunday’s clash in Kimberley, which sees the inaugural winners, Griquas, up against the defending champion Pumas.

While Griquas are unbeaten in their six matches, the Pumas’ only blemish is their called-off match against the Cheetahs due to a lightning storm, with the result recorded as a draw.

In last year’s final, the men from Mpumalanga managed to dethrone Griquas, so expect fireworks as both sides look to stamp their authority on the competition and lock down a home semi-final.

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Below the top two, it is a bun fight between the Eagles, Cheetahs and Boland for the remaining two semi-final spots.

The Eagles slipped from second to fourth on the log when they lost to the Cheetahs in George last week and Heyneke Meyer’s side will be desperate to get back on the winning trail with the playoffs in sight.

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Elsewhere, the Valke will be keen to record a Free State double when they host the Cheetahs in Kempton Park after their win over the Griffons last week.

In Gqeberha, Border will look to break their duck with a win against EP.

SA Cup Round 7 fixtures
Friday, 24 April
Eastern Province vs Border Bulldogs (3pm)
Leopards vs Boland Cavaliers (6:30pm)
Saturday, 25 April
SWD Eagles vs Griffons (3pm)
Valke vs Cheetahs (3pm)
Sunday, 26 April
Griquas vs Pumas (3pm)

Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images

The post SA Cup: Griquas, Pumas battle for top spot appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Defending SA Cup champions the Pumas travel to Kimberley to take on Griquas in a top-of-the-table clash on Sunday.
The post SA Cup: Griquas, Pumas battle for top spot appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More

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