The Pumas booked their place in the SA Cup final after edging the Cheetahs in a thrilling semi-final in Mbombela on Friday.
The teams scored five tries apiece in an entertaining contest, but the accurate boot of flyhalf Clinton Swart ultimately proved decisive in a 42-36 victory.
The Free Staters made a bright start and led 10-0 early on through a try from fullback Clayton Blommetjies and the boot of flyhalf Tiaan Swanepoel, but the Pumas gradually took control through their powerful forwards and clinical finishing.
Prop Sampie Swiegers crossed twice, while No 8 Willie Engelbrecht, hooker Gustav du Rand and prop Junior Banda also scored for the home side.
The Cheetahs remained in the contest throughout, with winger Cohen Jasper, winger Michael Annies, flank Neels Volschenk and No 8 Sisonke Vumazonke all getting over the line, but ill-discipline proved costly for coach Frans Steyn’s men.
Yellow cards to Swanepoel and hooker Louis van der Westhuizen handed momentum to the Pumas, who capitalised through their rolling maul and dominant pack.
ALSO: Bulls stun Lions in dramatic U23 Cup final
The visitors mounted one final attack after the hooter in search of a dramatic winner, but a handling error ended their hopes and sent the Pumas into next Saturday’s final against either Griquas or Boland.
PUMAS – Tries: Sampie Swiegers (2), Willie Engelbrecht, Gustav du Rand, Junior Banda. Conversions: Clinton Swart (4). Penalties: Swart (3).
CHEETAHS – Tries: Clayton Blommetjies, Micheal Annies, Cohen Jasper, Neels Volschenk, Sisonke Vumazonke. Conversions: Tiaan Swanepoel, Jasper (3). Penalty: Swanepoel.
Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images
The post Pumas hold off Cheetahs to reach SA Cup final appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
