Rugby
All to play for in the final round of the SA Cup─── ILSE SMALBERGER 11:12 Thu, 07 May 2026
There is much to play for this weekend in the final round of the SA Cup with six teams still in with a shot to make the playoffs.
The top four teams on the final log will contest next weekend’s semi-finals – with the teams finishing first and second enjoying home-ground advantage – while the top four will also qualify for the Currie Cup competition.
Log leaders, the Suzuki Griquas, have already cemented their home semi-final. The final round kicks off on Friday evening in Bloemfontein, where the Toyota Cheetahs host the Griquas at the Toyota Stadium at 18:00.
Toyota Cheetahs coach Frans Steyn said he knows his team will be under the pump but is confident that they will be able to perform under pressure. “We're always under pressure. You get to know people during tough times like these. So look, we never want to be in those situations, but as well, you learn, and you grow as a human,” he said.
With just three points separating the third-placed Cheetahs from the Boland Kavaliers (fourth) and the SWD Eagles (fifth), this is a must-win encounter for the men from Bloemfontein.
Friday’s second fixture sees defending champion Pumas host the Griffons at Mbombela Stadium from 19:00. The Pumas have lost only two of their eight matches this season and, with home-ground advantage, must be considered favourites to secure hosting rights for the second semi-final next week. The Pumas currently occupy second place on the log with 33 points.
On Saturday, the Kavaliers will host Eastern Province. A victory for the Boland team, preferably with a bonus point, will see them cement their semi-final berth.
Also on Saturday, the SWD Eagles, who are level on points with Boland (27) but sit fifth on the log due to an inferior points’ difference, will take on the Leopards. The Eagles have claimed five wins from their eight matches so far and will be hunting a bonus-point win against Leopards at Outeniqua Park.
In the final match of the weekend, the Valke will need a full five-point victory against Border and must hope that results elsewhere go in their favour to reach the top four. That encounter will kick off at 15:30 at Police Park in East London.
• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.
