Griquas are still the team to beat in this year’s edition of the SA Cup.
The Northern Cape side made it five wins from five with a hard-fought 24-14 victory over the Boland Kavaliers in Wellington, building a decisive first-half lead before holding firm late on.
They remain top of the standings on 25 points, with the Pumas and SWD Eagles hot on their heels.
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The defending champions delivered the statement of the weekend, hammering the Border Bulldogs 94-5 in Mdantsane. Fullback JC Nel starred with four tries in a ruthless 14-try display that underlined the Pumas’ title credentials.
Heyneke Meyer’s SWD, meanwhile, strengthened their semi-final push with a thrilling 43-40 win over the Valke in Kempton Park. The Eagles held their nerve in a high-scoring contest, with Fred Zeilinga’s late composure proving decisive.
In Welkom, the Cheetahs kept themselves firmly in the top-four hunt with a dominant 57-10 win over the Griffons.
There was also a breakthrough moment for Eastern Province, who claimed their first victory of the campaign with a 43-31 win over the Leopards in Potchefstroom.
After five rounds, Griquas lead the way on 25 points, followed by the Pumas and SWD on 22, with the Cheetahs occupying fourth spot on 18.
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With the competition now past the halfway mark, the race for the semi-finals is finely poised and the pressure is only building.
SA Cup Round 5 results
Griquas 24 Boland Kavaliers 14
Eastern Province 43 Leopards 31
SWD Eagles 43 Valke 40
Pumas 94 Border Bulldogs 5
Cheetahs 57 Griffons 10
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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