Sako Makato of Griquas is seen with ball in hand during a previous match against the Pumas. Picture: Danie van der Lith
The Airlink Pumas delivered a stunning performance on Sunday, overpowering the Suzuki Griquas with a 66-26 victory at Mbombela Stadium.
The Pumas showcased their dominance early, leading 28-14 at halftime and maintaining their momentum in the second half. Inside centre Clinton Swart emerged as the standout player, scoring two tries, converting all nine, and adding a penalty goal for a personal tally of 31 points.
In this match, the Griquas struggled to keep up with the Pumas’ relentless pace and precision. Despite the efforts of players like Cameron Hufke, Thomas Bursey, Sako Makata, and Connor Mahoney, who each crossed the try line, the Griquas couldn't match the Pumas' intensity.
Zinedine Robinson contributed three conversions, but it wasn't enough to close the gap.
Big comeback in Welkom
In another gripping encounter, the Toyota Cheetahs narrowly edged out the NovaVit Griffons with a 47-45 victory in Welkom on Friday. The Cheetahs stormed to a commanding 33-0 lead just before halftime, only to witness a spectacular comeback from the Griffons. Gurshwin Wehr and Kyle Cyster each scored two tries, leading the Griffons' valiant effort to narrow the deficit.
Despite the Griffons' offensive surge, the Cheetahs held firm, securing five valuable log points. This match epitomised the excitement and unpredictability of Currie Cup rugby.
Sharks break their season duck
Saturday brought relief for the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV as they secured their first win of the season, defeating the Fidelity ADT Lions 35-22 in Johannesburg. Featuring seven debutants, including three Junior Springboks, the Sharks surged to a 20-3 halftime lead.
Junior Bok midfielder Jurenzo Julius shone with two tries, guiding his team to victory. Despite a spirited second-half effort from the Lions, the Sharks held their ground, handing the Highvelders their first loss of the season.
Bulls maintain unbeaten record
The Vodacom Bulls continued their unbeaten streak with a hard-fought 50-34 win over DHL Western Province in a classic North-South derby at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. Initially trailing 27-3, the Bulls turned the tide with a late first-half try. In the second half, they dominated, scoring six tries to secure a comprehensive bonus point victory.
Flyhalf Jaco van der Walt played a crucial role, contributing 25 points through two tries, six conversions, and a penalty goal.
Standings and upcoming fixtures
After four rounds, the Vodacom Bulls lead the standings with 18 points, followed closely by the Toyota Cheetahs and Airlink Pumas, both on 15 points. The Fidelity ADT Lions are fourth with 13 points, trailed by the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV with 9 points. DHL Western Province holds 8 points, Suzuki Griquas have 7, and NovaVit Griffons 2.
Looking ahead, next week's fixtures promise more thrilling action. The Toyota Cheetahs will host the Vodafone Bulls in a top-of-the-table clash in Bloemfontein on Friday.
Saturday sees the Airlink Pumas taking on the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV in Nelspruit and the NovaVit Griffons travelling to Cape Town to face DHL Western Province.
Sunday's sole match features the Suzuki Griquas against the Fideliity ADT Lions in Kimberley.
Scorers round-up
NovaVit Griffons 45, Toyota Cheetahs 47
NovaVit Griffons: Tries: Gurshwin Wehr (2), Kyle Cyster (2), Thato Mavundla, Rian Olivier, Penalty Try. Conversions: Andrew Kota (4).
Toyota Cheetahs: Tries: Carl Wegner, CJ Coetzee, Aranos Coetzee, Corne Fourie, Daniel Maartens, Neels Volschenk, Penalty Try. Conversions: Ethan Wentzel (4), Abner van Reenen.
Fidelity ADT Lions 22, Hollywoodbets Sharks XV 35
Fidelity ADT Lions: Tries: Morne Brandon, SJ Kotze, Layton Horn. Conversions: Sam Francis (2). Penalty goal: Francis.
Hollywoodbets Sharks XV: Tries: Jurenzo Julius (2), Reniel Hugo, Yaw Penxe. Conversions: Lionel Cronje (3). Penalty goals: Cronje (2). Drop goal: Cronje.
Vodacom Bulls 50, DHL Western Province 34
Vodacom Bulls: Tries: Jaco van der Walt (2), Mpilo Gumede, Francois Klopper, Zak Burger, Joe van Zyl, Juann Else. Conversions: Van der Walt (6). Penalty goal: Van der Walt.
DHL Western Province: Tries: Gary Porter, Wandisile Simelane, Imad Khan, Angelo Davids. Conversions: Jurie Matthee (4). Penalty goal: Matthee. Drop goal: Matthee.
Airlink Pumas 66, Suzuki Griquas 26
Airlink Pumas: Tries: Deon Slabbert (2), Clinton Swart (2), Darren Adonis (2), Phiko Sobahle, Stefan Coetzee, Lundi Msenge. Conversions: Swart (9). Penalty goal: Swart.
Suzuki Griquas: Tries: Cameron Hufke, Thomas Bursey, Sako Makata, Connor Mahoney. Conversions: Zinedine Robinson (3)
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