The reigning SA Cup champions scored six tries in total, physically overpowering their Kimberley-based opponents and capitalising on mounting pressure that led to serious discipline issues – with three Griquas players spending time in the sin-bin simultaneously.

At half-time, the game was still evenly poised, with the Pumas sneaking into a 25–23 lead thanks to a crucial try scored right on the stroke of the break.

Willie Engelbrecht. Photo: Morgan Piek

It turned into a nightmare second half for the Peacock Blues, who had three players shown yellow cards. At one stage, albeit briefly, the visitors were down to just 12 men on the park.

The Pumas asserted dominance at scrum time and made good use of their rolling maul. Add to that the powerful ball-carrying displays from Willie Engelbrecht, Eduan Swart and Ntsika Fisanti, and it’s no surprise the home side pulled away convincingly.

In the backline, Wian van Niekerk – who came on at centre – and Ross Braude delivered standout performances.

There were several moments where the Pumas made serious metres through their mauls, while also piling on pressure in the scrums. Their attacking play looked particularly threatening, with impressive cohesion between forwards and backs.

Early in the second half, the Griquas’ woes deepened when both the electric Caleb Abrahams and the experienced George Whitehead were shown yellow cards in quick succession. While they were still off the field, Van Niekerk went over to score the bonus point try for the home team.

Things got even worse when Gurswin Wehr was also yellow-carded shortly after, reducing the Griquas to 12 men – albeit for only a brief period. The card to Abrahams, in particular, seemed harsh, as he appeared to make a genuine attempt to intercept the ball. Wehr’s offence was also marginal, but by that point, referee Marius van der Westhuizen had seemingly lost patience with the visitors’ persistent infringements.

Ross Braude. Photo: Morgan Piek

There were a few instances where the Pumas may have been lucky not to be penalised for similar offences, with the referee turning a blind eye to some of their own indiscretions.

With the clock winding down, the Pumas rubbed further salt into the wound as JJ Scheepers and former Cheetahs outside back Darren Adonis crossed for late tries to seal the result.

Although the Griquas did show glimpses of their quality, head coach Pieter Bergh will be bitterly disappointed especially with his team’s discipline, which ultimately prevented them from finding any real rhythm on the night.

In round two the Pumas will head to the scene of the 2023 final when they face the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Pumas: Tries – Sango Xamlashe, Danrich Visagie, Eduan Swart, Wian van Niekerk, JJ Scheepers, Darren Adonis Conv. – Visage 5 Pen. – Visagie 3

Griquas: Tries – Gustav Erlank, George Whitehead, Mnombo Zwelendaba Conv. – Whitehead 2 Pen. – Whitehead 3

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg