The defending champions scored five tries to two to claim a valuable bonus point and move five points clear at the summit after six rounds. They will now have the advantage of hosting a semi-final as the only team that still has any chance of moving past them is the Toyota Cheetahs.

For the Cheetahs their neighbours win means that they merely need two points from Sunday's game against the Boland Cavaliers in Bloemfontein to book their spot in the semi-final, but they will still gun for a full house of five points.

Griquas made a flying start, with their midfield combination causing immediate problems for the Pumas defence. Captain Mnombo Zwelendaba created the opening in the fifth minute, putting Zane Bester through a gap for the wing to race over for the first try.

The Pumas' afternoon then became even more difficult when Ruwald van der Merwe was shown a yellow card for a head-on-head tackle on Bobby Alexander.

Griquas capitalised on the extra man soon afterwards, with Tiaan Lange finishing off a powerful driving maul to extend the visitors' advantage.

They continued to control proceedings and added a third try in the 34th minute. Lourens Oosthuizen showed impressive strength to break through several tackles before crossing the line.

The Pumas had spent much of the opening half under pressure but finally found a response three minutes later, with Clinton Swart powering over for their first try.

Griquas, however, had the final say before half-time. George Whitehead slotted a penalty to add to his three successful conversions, sending his side into the break with a 24-7 lead.

The visitors secured their bonus point five minutes into the second half. Alexander caught the Pumas off guard with a quick tap before releasing Gurswin Wehr, who finished the move with ease.

The Pumas were handed a lifeline when Griquas wing Dylan Maart was yellow-carded for a head-on-head tackle. Junior Banda took advantage of the numerical advantage, scoring the home side's second try.

Discipline continued to undermine the Pumas, though, as Jan-Henning Campher was initially sent to the sin bin for a dangerous cleanout before the sanction was upgraded to a 20-minute red card.

Tiaan Lange - Morgan Piek

Griquas remained in control and put the result beyond doubt in the closing stages, with Bester crossing for his second try in the 78th minute.

The result leaves Griquas firmly in charge at the top of the log, while the Pumas will need to regroup quickly as the Currie Cup reaches its business end.

Scorers: 

Griquas: Tries - Zane Bester 2, Tiaan Lange, Lourens Oosthuizen, Gurswin Wehr Conv. - George Whitehead 4, Liam Koen Pen. - Whitehead

Pumas: Tries - Clinton Swart, Junior Banda Conv. - Swart 2

Morgan Piek OFM Sport