The clash between the bitter rivals at Suzuki Stadium lived up to its billing, with the Currie Cup champions showing their class late on to close out the game in front of a superb crowd.

For the defending champions from Nelspruit, it was their first defeat of the campaign. They now trail the Peacock Blues by seven log points with just two rounds remaining before the semi-finals.

Tiaan Lange scoring the first try of the game - Morgan Piek

Griquas led 19–15 at half-time and eventually outscored the visitors by six tries to five in a pulsating encounter.

The visitors struck first through a Clinton Swart penalty, but the response was immediate. Hooker Tiaan Lange powered over from a maul to get Griquas on the board.

Two former Griquas players - centre Sango Xamlashe and scrumhalf Thomas Bursey - combined brilliantly for the Pumas’ first try, with Bursey dotting down under the poles. Xamlashe captained Griquas in the 2022 Currie Cup final, while Bursey featured in last year’s historic decider.

Dylan Maart flies in for his try - Morgan Piek

Griquas then punished the Pumas for a costly attacking error, with winger Dylan Maart finishing off after a strong break by Damian Markus, who was outstanding in the opening half. Moments later, the hosts struck again - strong and exciting 8th-man Gustav Erlank burst through from the restart and sent captain Albert Liebenberg crashing over for another superb try.

Another former Griquas player, fullback Jay-Cee Nel, kept the Pumas in the fight with a try just before half-time following a quick tap close to the line, but the home side still took a four-point lead into the break.

Nel came out firing after the interval, slicing through the defence to complete his brace. However, once again Griquas hit back immediately, with Carel van der Merwe - a late replacement for Carl Els - crossing for the hosts.

Scrumhalf Caleb Abrahams then extended the lead to 34–20 before the Pumas mounted a spirited comeback. Lock Tiaan de Klerk showed surprising pace to score, and Xamlashe’s try soon after levelled matters at 34–all in the 62nd minute.

With the pressure mounting, George Whitehead slotted his second penalty to edge Griquas ahead 37–34 with 12 minutes to play.

Caleb Abrahams - Morgan Piek

The hosts then showed composure, kicking for touch from penalties to apply pressure. Replacement hooker Janco Uys delivered the decisive moment, crashing over from a lineout maul late in the game to seal a hard-fought victory.

Speaking to OFM Sport after the win, captain Albert Liebenberg admitted it was exactly the kind of test his side needed after a relatively smooth run in the competition.

“It’s always tough against the Pumas - it’s a proper battle every time,” said Liebenberg.

Gustav Erlank breaking through the defence of anoher former Griqua in Clinton Swart - Morgan Piek

“We seem to have each other’s number, but this time we came out on top and we’ll take the win.

“Coming off the Currie Cup final, these are the kind of games you want. You want to build momentum, especially against strong teams at home, and this was good preparation for what’s ahead.”

With matches against the SWD Eagles in Kimberley and the under-pressure Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein still to come, Liebenberg stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in their push for a home final.

Mnombo Zwelendaba - Morgan Piek

“The SA Cup is highly competitive, with some very strong sides, so you want to test yourself in these big games,” he added.

“We’ve got two tough matches left, and the focus is to keep improving heading into the semi-finals and hopefully the final.

“There are about five teams fighting for four spots, so it’s still wide open. This win was crucial because we want to finish top of the log and control our own destiny.”

Saturday’s clash between Griquas and the third-placed Eagles in Kimberley kicks off at 15:00.

Scorers:

Griquas: Tries - Tiaan Lange, Dylan Maart, Albert Liebenberg, Carel van der Merwe, Caleb Abrahams, Janco Uys Conv. - George Whitehead 4 Pen. - Whitehead 2

Pumas: Tries - Thomas Bursey, Jay-Cee Nel 2, Tiaan de Klerk, Sango Xamlashe Conv. - Clinton Swart, Nevaldo Fleurs 2 Pen. - Swart

Morgan Piek OFM Sport