The Airlink Pumas once again underlined their SA Cup credentials this past weekend with a jaw-dropping 110-7 demolition of the Border Bulldogs in Nelspruit - one of the most emphatic victories of the season so far.
Their fifth consecutive bonus-point win not only solidified their spot among the tournament’s top contenders but also showcased their ruthless efficiency, depth, and attacking flair.
Fullback Tino Swanepoel was the standout performer, crossing the whitewash four times in a match where the Pumas ran in a staggering 16 tries.
Loose forwards Andre Fouché and Marvelous Mashimbyi each added a brace, while Danrich Visagie’s golden boot converted 15 of those 16 tries, scoring one himself for a personal haul of 35 points. It was a complete team performance- equal parts devastating and clinical.
While the Pumas lit up Nelspruit, the Suzuki Griquas remained neck-and-neck with them on 25 log points after fighting back to edge the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers 42-36 in a thrilling encounter in Kimberley.
The Griquas trailed at halftime but managed to score six tries to the Kavaliers’ five to maintain their unbeaten run and retain their title hopes.
Saturday’s other headline clash saw the Toyota Cheetahs reignite their campaign with a crucial 38-31 Free State derby win over the NovaVit Griffons in Bloemfontein.
The Cheetahs led 19-10 at halftime but needed a late try from hooker Vernon Paulo to seal the result after the Griffons rallied and levelled the scores with a penalty try. The Cheetahs’ third win of the season moved them into fourth place on 17 points, just behind the Griffons (18).
The Valke also had cause to celebrate after holding off a spirited second-half surge from the Phangela SWD Eagles to win 24-18 at Outeniqua Park.
A dominant first half saw them lead 24-10 thanks to tries from Sergio Stalmeester, Mbembe Payi, and Godfrey Muzanargwo. Despite the Eagles closing the gap late on, the Valke held on to remain in semi-final contention with 15 points.
Eastern Province climbed to seventh on the log (12 points) with a spirited 26-17 victory over the Leopards in Gqeberha.
The home side scored four tries, including second-half efforts from Jayden Bantom and Wayne Ngubane, to secure their second win of the campaign despite being temporarily reduced to 14 men after CJ Velleman received a yellow card.
With five rounds completed, the Pumas and Griquas remain the clear pace-setters, both boasting a perfect record and commanding points difference.
The Griffons, Cheetahs, Kavaliers, and Valke are jostling closely behind, while EP are still in the mix. The Eagles (7), Leopards (4), and Border Bulldogs (2) round out the standings.
Klaasen.
The next round of fixtures sees the Griquas host Eastern Province on Friday night in Kimberley, while Saturday serves up more enticing matchups. The Pumas will look to extend their winning streak when they visit the Leopards in Potchefstroom, the Cheetahs welcome the Eagles to Bloemfontein, the Griffons travel to face the Valke, and the Kavaliers will seek redemption against Border in East London.
If current form is anything to go by, the Airlink Pumas are not just chasing a semi-final spot – they’re building a serious case for the 2025 SA Cup title.
Their mix of firepower, cohesion, and momentum is unmatched, and with the business end of the tournament approaching, all eyes will be on the men from Mpumalanga.
Airlink Pumas 110 (68), Border Bulldogs 7 (0)
Pumas – Tries: Tino Swanepoel (4), Andre Fouche (2), Marvelous Mashimbyi (2), Sango Xamlashe, Darnell Osuagwu, Danrich Visagie, Lundi Msenge, Eddie Swart, Carlton Banies, Kabelo Mokoena, Russwill Fredericks.
Conversions: Danrich Visagie (15).
Border – Try: Sibusiso Lali. Conversion: Maxwell
