Pumas, Griquas set for another epic encounter

The next chapter in the budding rivalry between the Pumas and Griquas will be written in Saturday’s SA Cup final at Mbombela Stadium.

The two have been fierce competitors since the 2022 Currie Cup final in Kimberley, which the Pumas won 26-19 to lift the famous trophy for the first time in their history.

Griquas got their revenge last year, beating the Pumas twice, including 46-24 in the final, to lift the inaugural SA Cup.

But the Pumas regained the ascendancy over their Kimberley rivals with two convincing victories in the 2024 Currie Cup, including a 66-26 romp at Mbombela Stadium, though neither of the teams made the semi-finals.

Last month, the Pumas ended a Griquas’ winning streak in the SA Cup that spanned two seasons with a 39-35 win in Nelspruit.

That helped coach Jimmy Stonehouse’s men finish top of the log and earn the right to host Saturday’s final, which kicks off at 6:30pm.

Pumas vs Griquas recent results:
2024: Pumas 26 Griquas 31, Nelspruit (SA Cup league stage)
2024: Griquas 46 Pumas 24, Kimberley (SA Cup final)
2024: Griquas 24 Pumas 44, Kimberley (Currie Cup league stage)
2024: Pumas 66 Griquas 26, Nelspruit (Currie Cup league stage)
2025: Pumas 31 Griquas 29, Nelspruit (SA Cup league stage)

Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images